The Unbelievable Strategy: Praise Before the Battle
Trust and Obedience Unlock a Life of Praise and Purpose
One of the most difficult things to do in both good and challenging seasons is to offer prayers of praise to God.
One way He has helped me do this is by starting with praise when I wake up and during my Bible time. I listen to praise music (worship) and scripture, then write three things I am thankful for, offering more praise to Him. This daily habit sets the tone for a purpose-filled and joyful posture for the day, no matter the season.
I did this even in combat overseas. Before the day began, I would wake up before my soldiers (except for those on twenty-four-hour security) and do prayer walks around my mortar pit—praising God, praying for my enemies, my family and friends back home, and even that the rounds would land where He wanted them to land.
It was normal to get shot at during the day, so starting with praise in the morning became my spiritual armor—far more powerful than my kit (Interceptor Body Armor (IBA), Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T), and plenty of weapons).
It reminds me of an Old Testament story I read recently…
STORY: Jehoshaphat’s Prayer of Praise (2 Chronicles 20:1-30)
One of the most powerful examples of a prayer of praise in Scripture is found in 2 Chronicles 20, when King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah faced an overwhelming enemy army. Instead of panicking, they praised God in prayer and song—before the battle was even won!
The Story
1. The Problem: A Great Enemy Approaches
King Jehoshaphat received word that a massive army was coming against Judah. The situation seemed impossible.
Instead of reacting in fear, Jehoshaphat turned to God in prayer, leading the nation in fasting and seeking Him.
2. The Prayer of Trust & Praise
Jehoshaphat stood before the people and prayed:
"Lord, the God of our ancestors, are You not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can withstand You." (2 Chronicles 20:6)He didn’t start with requests—he started with praise for God’s greatness, sovereignty, and power.
He reminded God (and himself) of His past faithfulness.
3. God’s Response: “The Battle is Not Yours”
God answered through the prophet Jahaziel:
"Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s." (2 Chronicles 20:15)God told them to go to the battlefield, but they wouldn’t have to fight—only to stand and watch God’s victory.
4. The Unbelievable Strategy: Praise Before the Battle
The next day, Jehoshaphat appointed singers to go ahead of the army.
Instead of weapons, they led with worship:
"Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever." (2 Chronicles 20:21)As they sang and praised, God caused the enemy armies to turn on each other and destroy themselves!
By the time Judah arrived at the battlefield, there was no one left to fight—God had already won the victory.
5. The Result: More Praise and Abundant Blessing
The people gathered riches and spoils of war for three days because there was so much.
They returned to Jerusalem singing and rejoicing because God had won the battle.
The surrounding nations heard what God had done, and fear of the Lord spread.
Key Takeaways: How This Story Inspires Our Praise
1. Praise Invites God's Power into Our Battles
They didn’t wait until after the victory to praise—they praised in advance.
Worship is a declaration of trust. Praising God before seeing the outcome is an act of faith.
2. The Battle Belongs to the Lord
The people of Judah didn’t need to fight—God fought for them.
When we face struggles, we can praise instead of panic, trusting God to work on our behalf.
3. Praise Transforms Fear into Faith
Jehoshaphat was afraid at first, but he chose worship over worry.
When we focus on God’s greatness rather than our problems, we experience peace.
How Was Jehoshaphat Able to Praise God?
Jehoshaphat’s ability to respond to overwhelming danger with prayer and praise instead of fear wasn’t random—it was the result of his faith, preparation, and dependence on God long before the crisis came.
1. Jehoshaphat Had a History of Seeking God
📖 2 Chronicles 17:3-4 – "The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the ways of his father David before him. He did not consult the Baals but sought the God of his father and followed His commands rather than the practices of Israel."
✅ Lesson: When we seek God in everyday life, we are prepared to trust Him in crises.
2. He Led His Nation in Spiritual Preparation
📖 2 Chronicles 17:7-9 – He sent priests and officials throughout Judah to teach God’s Word.
✅ Lesson: A strong foundation in God’s Word helps us trust Him when trials come.
3. He Turned to God First, Not as a Last Resort
📖 2 Chronicles 20:3 – "Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah."
✅ Lesson: Where we turn first in a crisis reveals where our trust really is.
4. He Acknowledged His Weakness and Depended on God
📖 2 Chronicles 20:12 – "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You."
✅ Lesson: True strength comes from surrender, not self-reliance.
5. He Acted in Faith Before the Victory Came
📖 2 Chronicles 20:21 – Instead of sending warriors to the front lines, he sent worshipers!
✅ Lesson: Praise is an act of faith—it declares victory before it happens.
6. He Gave God the Glory After the Battle
📖 2 Chronicles 20:27-28 – After God defeated the enemy, they returned to Jerusalem rejoicing and praising God.
✅ Lesson: A heart of praise before, during, and after the battle keeps us centered on God.
How Can We Pray Like Jehoshaphat?
1️⃣ Start with praise before making requests.
"Lord, You are all-powerful, faithful, and good. You reign over all things!"
2️⃣ Trust that the battle belongs to God.
"I don’t have to control everything. I choose to trust You."
3️⃣ Praise before the victory comes.
"Even before I see the answer, I will praise You because I know You are working."
Never Finished Challenge for the Week
Ask yourself:
What battle am I facing?
Where do I turn first when faced with difficulty?
How can I praise God before the outcome is clear?
Declaration:
"Lord, You are sovereign over all things! Even when we don’t know what to do, our eyes are on You. We trust You because the battle is not ours, but Yours. We praise You before we see the victory, because we know You are faithful. You are good, You are in control, and You are worthy of all our praise! In Jesus’ name, Amen!"