Songs of Conquest
“After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: ‘Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever.’ 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.”
2 Chronicles 20:21-22
Anyone who spends time with me knows how much I enjoy singing, especially at work. When someone helps me type, we’ll reach for the hymnal next to my computer, flip it open to an old favorite, and harmonize our hearts out.
All this is not just to fill the office corridors with song. For me, singing is a wonderful way to clear the spiritual air, shooing away any dark spirits hanging around.
It hearkens back to 2 Chronicles 20, in which Jehoshaphat was called into battle. He “appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him…as they went out at the head of the army.” Jehoshaphat’s army then made a shambles of the enemy. What a wonderful story of how songs of praise make a difference in a spiritual climate. Confusion befuddled the enemy, and their camps turned on one another. The people of God then carried away the plunder.
If you’re fighting darkness or engaged in a spiritual conflict, if the Enemy is poised and ready to attack, the best defense is to sing. It’s a way of resisting the Devil. Singing is also the best offense. Songs of praise will confuse the Enemy and send the Devil’s hoards hightailing. So pick a hymn, any hymn. Choose a Scripture chorus. Or make up your own melody to a favorite portion of Scripture.
Bring to my mind songs, Lord, when my path is blocked by the enemy of my soul. Keep my heart attuned to you.
Pressing On: How to Lean on Christ through Suffering
After more than 55 years living with quadriplegia and chronic pain, Joni Eareckson Tada knows what it means to “press on” through suffering. Joni encourages you to join her in living out Philippians 3:14: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
