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II CHRONICLES 20:22

"VICTORY THROUGH PRAISE"

I. THE SITUATION.
        A. Word has come of an invasion by several nations.
                1. They are advancing against Judah from the dead sea area
                   of EnGedi.
        B. Jehoshaphat the King feared for the nation for he knew they
           lacked the power to defend themselves.
                1. He set himself to seek the Lord.
                2. He proclaimed a fast.
                3. The nation gathered to seek God's help.
                4. Jehoshaphat called upon God.
        C. Jehoshaphat's prayer.
                1. Acknowledgment of God.
                        a. God of our fathers.
                        b. God of heaven.
                        c. God of power.
                        d. God who gave this land to Abraham thy friend
                           forever, and to His descendants.
                2. Acknowledgment of the past.
                        a. You brought our fathers into the land.
                        b. They built a temple for Thy name.
                        c. vs. 9 Solomon's prayer of dedication.
                        d. Now the nations of Ammon, Moab, and Mt. Seir
                           are invading
                3. Cry for help.
                        a. We have no might.
                        b. We don't know what to do.
                        c. We're looking to you.
        D. Have you ever been in that kind of situation?

II. THE LORD'S ANSWER.
        A. Don't be afraid or dismayed by enemy.
                1. The battle is not yours but Gods.
                2. It's glorious to be a child of God, our Father will
                   always defend His children.
                        a. Our problems become His problems.
                        b. Our battles become His battles.
        B. Come down to the cliff of Ziz and watch.
                1. They were invited to be spectators rather than
                   participants.
                        a. "You will not have to fight in this battle."
                        b. "Stand still and see the salvation of the
                            Lord."
        C. Upon hearing this word from God.
                1. The King bowed his face in the ground.
                2. The people all fell before the Lord and worshipped.
                3. The priests began to praise the Lord.

III. GOING OUT TO THE BATTLE.
        A. Went down valley past Bethlehem through area known as
           Shepherd's fields past area of Herodian to the cliffs near
           Tekoa.
                1. As they went the King exhorted them.
                        a. Believe in the Lord your God and you will
                           be established.
                        b. Believe in His prophets and you will prosper.
        B. They appointed singers to go before the army.
                1. They were to praise God for His holiness and for His
                   mercy.
                2. They were to say Praise the Lord! the congregation
                   of people to answer, for His mercy endures forever.
        C. The victory of praise.
                1. As they began to sing and praise the Lord set
                   ambushments against their enemies.
                2. Singing to the LORD and praising Him is a great way
                   to gain victory over:
                        a. Fear.
                        b. Discouragement.
                        c. Anxiety.
                        d. The enemy.
                3. Paul tells us to sing and make melody in our hearts
                   to the LORD.
                4. It helps us to get things in the right perspective.