Thanksgiving Songs Of Praise Fixes Things
Wednesday October 15, 2014
Practicing an attitude of gratitude – just a happy little slogan or a way of facing each day that changes everything? Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT) Is being thankful an impossible command to fulfill or, the key to a fulfilling life?
There’s a wonderful story in 2 Chronicles 20 of a king and his people being attacked by other armies who were much bigger and stronger than they were. The king and the people were under intense pressure and filled with fear. The king’s first response was to speak to God about his situation. He called the people together, led them in a prayer that thanked God for His presence, His power, and His history of helping His friends. What’s our first response when trouble lurks in our minds and circumstances?
God’s heart was touched by the king’s act of gratitude and trust. He got a message to the king telling him that he wouldn’t have to fight this battle. The king’s army was instructed to take up their positions, but then stand firm and watch what God would do. In spite of visible overwhelming circumstances, the army needed to let go of despair and discouragement and trust that God was with them. That’s the choice they made and, true to His word, God took care of them.
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!” At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. 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. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped. (2 Chronicles 20:21-22, 23b-24 NLT)
God hasn’t changed. What might our praise and thanksgiving accomplish in our circumstances today?
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