Victory in Battle

There's a popular quote about being kind to others because we are all fighting a battle no one else knows about. I think we've all had to fight this type of battle at some point. Battles that rage inside of us can tear us apart just as easily as those that harm us from the outside. But these battles don't have to be faught alone.

When King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah were facing annihilation by the armies of Edom, they were terrified. This was a physical threat coming against them and they were crying out to God in fear. They began to fast and pray for guidance. God spoke through one of His people,

He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”
2 Chronicles 20:15-17

The people were expecting a fight and crying out for help, and just like that, God said He had it handled. There was no need to fight the battle, because God already had it under control.

" The battle is not yours, but God's. "

We are all too ready to claim these battles as our own. We take ownership and then we struggle to give it back. God told His people what they need to do,

"Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory."

So after this, the people began to rejoice and praise God for the victory even before it happened.

They sang,

“Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!" vs. 21

"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."
vs. 22

If God can wipe out an army without even one sword drawn. How much more do you think God can handle the battles that go on in our own lives, and in our own minds?

In my own experience, I have found that the victory comes when the praise starts. When we claim victory over our battles, and praise the God who overcomes, we have already won, no matter what the outcome.

Getting started is often the hardest part for me. When I am afraid or discouraged I tend to have trouble praising or even talking to God. But once I do, I start to know peace.

Not every battle will go the way we want it too. We may suffer some losses. But if we are able to praise God for who He is in the midst of our battle, we have achieved our victory. If we give Him the Glory He deserves, we have done what is required of us.

After the battle was won, it goes on to say that the armies turned on each other, and not a single one of their enemies survived. They praised God for their victory,


"So Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side." vs. 30

Peace of mind is not something attained because all is well. It is something attained by knowing who wins the battles. Sacrificing our plans and our desires and turning our thoughts to giving thanks and praising God for who He is, gives Him the opportunity to work in our situation how he sees fit.

When your battles are going on, even the ones on the inside, praise Him on the outside. Praise Him continuously until you receive peace and rest, for it is then that the battle is won and His victory becomes ours.