20 Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in His prophets and you will be successful.” 21 After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise Him for the splendor of His holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever.” 22 As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. ~ 2 Chronicles 20:20-22
Before King Jehoshaphat appointed men to go before the army singing to and praising the LORD there was a meeting in Judah. All the people of Judah stood before the LORD. Fathers with their wives, children, and little ones. They presented themselves as one people to the LORD in submission to His will. They didn’t just gather lackadaisical. No. They came together as one nation, one body, fasting before the LORD and presenting themselves to the LORD. And who led them? Their king.
The king led the nation in fasting and prayer. And the king, Jehoshaphat, reminded God of all of His promises and asked for His mercy. During this worship the LORD came down and gave the people an answer through Jahaziel. And what were they to do? Praise.
The presence of the LORD rests upon the praises of Israel. The people of God. Praise shakes the prison walls and breaks chains. When we praise, God goes before us and destroys our enemies. Is it easy? No. Praising when we’re afraid, defeated, discouraged, distressed, etc. isn’t easy. It’s difficult. But when we praise, God moves.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Move God.