Filed under: journal
CRANK IT UP | Music has always had a powerful impact on my life. I used to jump on the bus before school with my Sony Walkman on, pumping Petra into my ears to get me going for the day. I still start my day with music – my alarm is a worship song by Catherine Mullins. Michelle and I then turn on some more worship to get our family going.
King Joram of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah came to the prophet Elisha with a problem, and Elisha wasn’t in the best of moods to help out Joram. “If I did not have respect for King Jehoshaphat of Judah, I would not look at you; I wouldn’t take notice of you.” Knowing he didn’t have the best attitude for answering their requests, Elisha made a simple request of his own.
“Bring me a musician.” (2 Kings 3:15) The Lord’s hand then came on Elisha and he was able to respond to them.
If I’m in need of answers, crank up the worship! If I need victory in spiritual warfare, turn up the radio! The walls (the obstacles) of Jericho fell at the sound of trumpets and shouts (Joshua 6:20). What perspective would you get on the obstacles in your life if you requested, “bring me a musician.”
POSITION YOURSELF | When the enemies of Judah came to fight against them, and seemed to be right on top of them, King Jehoshaphat sought the Lord, fasting and gathering people together for prayer. He stood in the temple courtyard praying with his people, confessing how they “are powerless before this vast multitude…”
Ever felt powerless against insurmountable odds?
I love his heartfelt confession. “We do not know what to do, but we look to You.” While they all stood there, “the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel,” a descendant of Asaph, a lead worshiper of King David’s.
“Do not be afraid or discouraged,” he prophesied, “for the battle is not your’s but God’s…You do not have to fight this battle.” Then what he said next was so key.
Position yourself.
“Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.” (read the story in 2 Chronicles 20:1-17) Position yourself. Jehosaphat knew what that meant. He “bowed with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord to worship Him.” (v18)
Friends, whatever you are facing today, position yourself through the passion of praise and the power of prayer. Then, stand still and watch Him work. If you have little strength for the battles of life, ask yourself, “Am I positioned for victory?”
What position are you standing in? Are you slouching spiritually? Are you up in arms or down on your knees? Where are you getting the strength you need for the problems you face?
