Gratitude That Is Faith

In our daily Bible reading schedule as well as the Between the Lines podcast, we came across an interesting section of Scripture a couple of weeks ago in 2 Chronicles.

It was during the reign of Jehoshaphat, who was a good king in Judah. They were up against no less than three enemy forces attacking them in a pivotal battle.

Look at Jehoshaphat’s battle plan…

"The king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the LORD and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: 'Give thanks to the LORD; his faithful love endures forever!'" (2 Chronicles 20:21 NLT).

Did you catch that? Jehoshaphat’s battle plan was to put a choir in front of the foot soldiers. He took the best singers of the army and had them go in front, singing praise and worship. The armed fighters were behind.

Sorry, but that doesn’t make sense!

But then look at what God did!

“As they began to sing and give praise, the LORD caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. The armies of Moaband Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other. So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see” (2 Chronicles 20:22–24 NLT).

Terrible battle plan. Fantastic results!

There’ve been days recently when I haven’t felt like worshiping. I’m ashamed to admit it, but it’s true. However, I’ve not given in. Praising God for His goodness during dark days is one of the keys to going through a deep valley.

You are facing something very difficult. I get it. You know what my family is up against.

But it’s during these times that thanking God for His goodness and praising Him for His greatness is even more vital. Yes, thanking Him right there in the middle of the problem. That kind of gratitude is faith.

And others seeing God solve your problems becomes a testimony, drawing others in. Because people take notice when Jesus followers truly live by faith. And that’s when God delights to demonstrate His power.

It’s a beautiful Old Testament story that illustrates this wonderful New Testament promise…

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7 NLT).