Thanksgiving pave the way for God’s deliverance when we are in trouble.
And
pay your vows to the Most High.
Call
upon Me in the day of trouble;
I
will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.
(Psalm
50: 14-15)
Whoever
offers praise glorifies Me;
And
to him who orders his conduct aright
I
will show the salvation of God.
(Psalm
50:23)
Be
anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving,
let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses
all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
(Philippians
4:6-7)
Of
course, obedience (paying our vows to God, ordering our conduct aright) also
play a part in paving the way for God’s deliverance apart from thanksgiving.
Foreign
Invasion Repelled
The following is an account from the Old Testament where Judah faced a national crisis—an impending invasion by a foreign army. But through worship, praise, adoration and thanksgiving, Judah was supernaturally delivered by God from its enemies.
When
King Jehoshaphat faced an impending invasion, he was dismayed. A great military
alliance was preparing to attack his nation, Judah. In his despair, he cried
out to God. Firstly, he began with adoration: He extolled the greatness and
might of God. Then he placed his fears and worries before God, reminding Him
how He had once shown favour to them by driving out their enemies.
The
king called upon the whole nation of Judah to pray for God’s mercy to be upon
them. Then Jahaziel, the prophet, proclaimed, “Listen, all you of Judah and you
inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you:
‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle
is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15).
Acting
upon the prophetic word, the king confidently arranged a worship team to go
before his army. As they went into battle, they praised God, as if the almighty
had already defeated their enemies. “Praise the Lord, For His mercy endures
forever” (2 Chronicles 20:21).
The
battle was truly a walkover in favour of Judah. God caused their enemies to
fight against one another; Judah did not even have to fight against them.
The
spoils of war were so abundant that it took three days to collect them. On the
fourth day, the victors gathered at the Valley of Beracah (blessing) to bless
God for His hand of favour upon them. Truly the battle was not theirs, but the
Lord’s.
Of
course, faith in God’s ability to save and obedience (ordering the worship team
to go before the army), also play a role in God’s deliverance apart from
thanksgiving.
In conclusion, thanksgiving and obedience pave the way for God’s salvation and deliverance in times of trouble.