Jehoshaphat, terrified by the news that three armies were advancing against him, called the community to prayer and fasting. He appealed to God’s promise to hear and deliver the people when they were threatened by an enemy. He confessed they didn’t know what to do, but relied on God for help.

According to his promise, God heard and answered. He gave a Levite a battle strategy which the king adopted. In response to God’s faithfulness, the people fell to the ground and worshipped. The chronicler recorded it like this:

“We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.”… {and} the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there. He said, “Listen…this is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow, march out against them … But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”

2 Chronicles 20:12-17

And the next day, the people gathered to go out against the army just as they had been told. As they gathered, Jehoshaphat had two final words of instruction. Believe and praise!

Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm … the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!”

2 Chronicles 20:20-21

Today as you take the next step in your quarantine journey, check your belief and gratitude meters. Do you believe in the Lord your God? Do you believe he is fighting for you?

How about the words of your mouth? Are you greeting each day with praise or pouting?

Perhaps the key to not just surviving this experience but soaring through it is found in 20:20. It reads like this:

20 Early the next morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way Jehoshaphat stopped and said, “Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.”

2 Chronicles 20:20

As the people began the journey to meet the advancing armies, their praise soared to the heavens. You will be so encouraged by what happens next!