Praise ADONAI [the LORD], for He is good,
for His lovingkindness endures forever. Psalm 107:1, TLV
A Battle Cry. On the surface, this verse might seem like a simple prayer: O, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever. Perhaps you pray this before meals. But don’t be fooled. This is a battle cry! In fact, all praise is a battle cry.
When the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mt. Seir had revolted against Judah, King Jehoshaphat sought the LORD, the priests, prophets, and his people to prepare for battle. When it was time, who led the army of the Jewish people?
Early in the morning they arose and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. As they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, O Judah, and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in ADONAI your God and you will be confirmed. Trust in His prophets and you will succeed.” After consulting with the people, he appointed singers to ADONAI praising the splendor of His holiness, as they went out before the army saying, “Praise ADONAI, for His mercy endures forever.” (2 Chronicles 20:20-21, TLV, Emphasis Mine)
It was the singers — the worshippers — who went before the army. Every mighty army was defeated before the Jewish armies, really before the singers, arrived at the battlefield. By the time they arrived, the enemies were already dead (vs. 24). Because of this great defeat, the battlefield was renamed the Valley of Bracha — Blessing (vs. 26).
Praise and worship are mighty weapons, my friends. Whether they 
are spoken as sacrifices while in pain, or joy, or hope, or sorrow, praise and worship lead the way for God’s armies.
May our Valley of Sorrow become a Valley of Blessing, my friend.
