Praise In The Valley
Life is a series of mountain peaks and valleys. While we wish life only involved the mountain peaks, we know that we must pass through the valleys as well. Faith can turn every valley experience into a valley of praise.
This is what the Old Testament King Jehoshaphat did.
One day he received news that three armies in an allied coalition had set their sights on destroying Jerusalem. The account is recorded in 2 Chronicles 20. The Spirit touched Jahaziel and he prophesied. God gave a three-fold admonition:
1. Fear not, the battle is not yours but God's;
2. Stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you;
3. Go out and face the enemy!
He called a nationwide prayer service. Jehoshaphat told the people: "Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld, have faith in his prophets and you will be successful." He then charged the worshippers to lead the army into battle: "Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever." God miraculously defeated the allied coalition on behalf of Judah: "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."
After the battle it took the Israeli army three days to collect all the plunder left by the enemy on the battlefield. Then they gathered in the valley and praised the Lord. They named the valley Beracah, which means "the valley of praise."
The lesson is profound: We can turn every valley into a valley of praise and see what great things God will do for us. Follow the battle strategy: Fear not, the battle is not yours but God's! Stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you! Go out and face the enemy! Whatever valley you find yourself in today, turn it into the Valley of Beracah – the Valley of Praise.
Dr. David Cooper, Senior Pastor
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