Read: 2 Chronicles 20:14–22
Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 32–33; John 18:19–40
Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. Psalm 47:6
Singing changes the brain! Some studies show that when we sing,
our bodies release hormones that relieve anxiety and stress. Other
research indicates that when a group of people sings together, their
heartbeats actually synchronize with each other.
The apostle Paul’s writing encourages the church to speak to one
another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19). And the
Bible repeats, “Sing praise” more than fifty times.
In 2 Chronicles 20, we read a story of
God’s people demonstrating their trust in God by singing as they marched
into battle. Enemies were heading toward the people of Judah. Alarmed,
King Jehoshaphat called everyone together. He led the community in
intense prayer. They didn’t eat or drink, but only prayed, “We don’t
know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (v. 12). The next day, they
set out. They weren’t led by their fiercest warriors, but by their
choir. They believed God’s promise that they would be delivered without
having to fight at all (v. 17).
While they sang and walked toward the conflict, their enemies fought
each other! By the time God’s people reached the battlefield, the
fighting had ended. God saved His people as they marched by faith toward
the unknown, singing His praises.
God encourages us to praise Him for good reasons. Whether or not we
are marching into battle, praising God has power to change our thoughts,
our hearts, and our lives.
God, we praise Your everlasting love and faithfulness! You protect and guide us, and we trust You with our lives.
Hearts in tune with God sing His praises.
© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries
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