The Benefits of Praise
2 Chronicles 20
2 Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, "A vast army is coming against you from Edom . . .
3 Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to enquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.
15 He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: `Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's.
17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.'"
21 After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendour of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: "Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures for ever."
22 As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.
23 The men of Ammon and Moab rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another.
24 When the men of Judah came to the place that overlooks the desert and looked towards the vast army, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground; no-one had escaped.
Praise disarms the enemy
and sets him into confusion. The people were confused - they didn’t know what to do. So, they prayed, and their confusion was transferred to the enemy, and then they went into confusion and turned on themselves.Praise honors God.
Ps 50:23 Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.
Praise is fitting for the believer.
Ps 33:1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. (NIV)
Ps 147:1 Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him! (NIV)
Praise brings the presence of God.
Ps 22:3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.
Praise adjusts your attitude.
Php 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Php 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.