2 Chronicles 20:14-15 Then in the midst of the assembly, the Lord’s Spirit came upon Jahaziel and he said, “Do not be afraid and do not panic as you face this huge army that attacks you. For the battle is not yours, but the Lord’s!”
King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah were under attack from an overwhelming army of three enemies. God instructed them to go meet the army, but not to engage: merely “stand and watch the deliverance of the Lord.” Before they marched out to meet the enemy, Jehoshaphat appointed musicians to go before the army and sing praises to God.
Through prophecy, God’s instructions were clear: go meet the enemy, do not fear, do not panic, and trust that God will deal with it. So why the music? To face the enemy on God’s terms required courage, conviction, and nerves of steel. Our emotions are ready at any moment to break formation and charge or flee. Jehoshaphat was the clever leader who decided that music and praise would help keep the focus of his small army on God, and help prevent them from following their emotions.
This is important in our situation today: whether CoVid, lack of finances, riots, injustices, or the infringement of rights, we must first learn to simply stand in peaceful courage. That is never easy. I urge you to be clever! We are not to hide from the raging battles, and we are not to engage – returning insult for insult or evil for evil. Jehoshaphat used music and praise to focus the minds of his people on the words of the Lord. What do you need to do to overcome your desire to flee or your impulse to engage on your own terms? True courage and conviction are required. This is challenging and exciting! With peace, compassion, and nerves of steel, we must learn to face the overwhelming enemies of the day. It isn’t that actions are not needed, but our actions must be based firmly in Him. This battle is not ours, but the Lord’s.