THANKSGIVING AND GOD’S DELIVERANCE

 Thanksgiving pave the way for God’s deliverance when we are in trouble.

Offer to God thanksgiving,

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.