Thanksgiving

Psalm 100

Praise and worship is an important part of our devotion to the Lord.  Praise and worship doesn’t necessarily mean singing.  It is about declaring God’s goodness and power; it is about declaring our love and affection for Him.  All of God’s creation displays His majesty and might, His justice and mercy, His wisdom and authority.  When we praise and worship God, we join history and nature, which all speaks of the glory of the Lord.  In 2 Chronicles 20, praise and worship is linked to victory. Judah was about to be attacked by neighboring countries.  Jehoshaphat, the ruler of Judah at the time, didn’t know what to do, since it was such a large army against them.  He proclaimed a fast for all of Judah and sought the Lord.  His prayer praises the Lord’s power and might.  He prays “we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”  The Lord responded to the prayers of Judah.  Jehoshaphat sent people in front of the army of Judah.  Their job was to sing to the Lord and praise Him, saying “Give thanks to the Lord, for His steadfast love endures forever.”  The Bible says that when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against their enemies.  The invading force was completely defeated.  In fact, there was so much treasure left behind, it took Judah three days to collect all of it.  May you find victory today as you praise and worship the Lord!