When you are depressed

I never tire of the story found in the Old Testament book of II Chronicles 20. A man with the unusual name of Jehoshaphat was leading the army of Judah. War had just been declared on them, from not one, but three other armies. We read in verse 3 of this chapter that, “Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news…”

It would have been understandable if Jehoshaphat asked to meet the army leaders to discuss terms of surrender. We would not have been surprised to read that they turned back to get away from the armies, giving them time to think of a defense plan. They did neither of those things; they advanced, with an amazing front line of offense — Jehoshaphat ordered the musicians to lead the way playing and singing praises to God. What?! Singing in the midst of great battle? Yes. Praising God is a mighty weapon.

If you read the rest of the chapter you see that God confused the attacking armies to the point they began to kill each other! Verse 24 tells us, “When the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped.” Did you know the same thing can happen in our spiritual worlds in the midst of attacks by our enemy, Satan?

Satan is forever sending demonic forces of despondency and despair to control our minds. When he sees that we are in a situation of stress, he rubs his evil hands in glee and sends in the troops of darkness to shoot arrows of mental fatigue and defeatism at us. We have all battled with such attacks. We must not leave our minds open to such assault.

What can we do? We can keep our minds filled so it’s too full for the enemy’s poisonous arrows to penetrate. We can take a lesson from Jehoshaphat. Bring on the singers — bring on the praise. You see, God’s Word, which never lies, tells us in Psalm 22:3, “God inhabits the praises of His people.” If the army of Judah could be outnumbered three-fold, and defeat the enemy by praising God, is it any different for us today? No, because God Himself said in Malachi 3:6, “I am the Lord and I do not change.”

Therefore, if God gave His people victory through praising yesterday, then He will do the same today and tomorrow. Are you down today? Are you stressed out? Are you dreading what happens next? Do you just want to stay in bed? Then choose to praise. No excuses — just do it, and watch God give you victory over the attacking enemy. Breathe in His peace as it fills you through praising. Grab hold of His strength, His joy, and His courage. Will the enemy attack again tomorrow? Most likely. Will God always inhabit your praises and give you strength? Always.