The scriptural setting is hidden, yet profound. Jeroboam has rebelled against the Lord. He has surrounded Judah in front and from behind. The Bible says that Judah was being ambushed on both sides with no way out. That is when the king of Judah led them with a new strategy: they sounded the trumpets and gave a shout. 2 Chr 13:15 “…and as the men of Judah shouted, it came to pass, that God smote Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah.”
PRAISE brought them out. Praise brought them through. Praise prevailed against the ambush and God gave the victory. It is a microcosm of all the victories ever won: Praising God opens His hands and He fights our battles. When our hands are lifted, His hands are working.
I know this has been repeated by so many, but how oft we lose sight of the simplicity and power of praising God. David said, Psa 34:1 “…his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” David did not submit that praise was contingent upon blessings or good times. His praise was not waiting for a victory to be heard. Rather, His praise shall continually be in my mouth!
Perhaps we should pause on all other speaking until we first Praise Him. Maybe there should never be a “praise break” only to resume with fear or doubt; criticism or complaint. Praise should occupy – take up residence in our hearts. It should have preeminence over all other speaking.
Judah means praise. And if we take the word literally, Judah was surrounded and suffering. However, something changed when Judah began to do their name’s sake: They Praised! They blew the shofar and gave a shout. Finally, Judah took on the attribute of their designation.
Leah’s need for fulfillment and affirmation finally turned to God when she gave birth to her fourth son. Gen 29:35 And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah!
Human affirmation will always fall short, but Praise breaks through the things which surround us. There is no ambush, no attack that Praise cannot break through if only we would cry out; give a shout unto the Lord. Something will praise Him. The rocks will cry out if we will not. I choose to give voice to my Lord and He will give me the victory!
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole