The Battle Belongs to the Lord

I think we all would agree that we live in a broken world.  All around us we see the ravages of sin and the results of people believing in and pursuing the lies and deceptions of Satan.  Because of sin’s stain in our world, we face battles every day that require us to make choices concerning how we will attack and face the challenges and enemies we encounter.  

One of the great encouragements the Lord has recently blessed me with in regards to facing my daily battles is the song by Phil Wickham entitled, “Battle Belongs”.  The first time I heard this song I developed a mental picture of how the chorus of this song applied to me.  I envisioned myself on my knees – with my hands lifted high – the sunlight shining through the clouds – me pouring my heart before the Lord and asking him for help to fight the battle that was in front of me.

The lyrics of this song also reminded me of the Bible story found in 2 Chronicles 20.  The story begins when Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, receives word that a great army from the east is heading toward Jerusalem to attack and destroy God’s people.  The army was overwhelming in numbers and known to be very ruthless.  Jehoshaphat was afraid and cried out to the Lord for protection and help.

In 2 Chronicles 20:5-12, Jehoshaphat offered one of those “The Battle Belongs to the Lord” prayers.  In this prayer Jehoshaphat modeled for us how we should approach the daily battles we face in this life. 1.    He acknowledged that the situation was hopeless and only God could save the nation from destruction. 2.    He reminded God that these are His chosen people and pleads for His mercy to save them.   3.    He proclaimed that God was the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe and was in control over everything. 4.    He professed his complete dependence upon the Lord – “For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us.  We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” (vs. 12)

God responded to Jehoshaphat’s prayer and tells the people in vs. 15, “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.  God then tells Jehoshaphat and the people to do something very interesting.  He doesn’t tell them to hunker down and hide away.  He tells them to march out against the enemy – take their position and stand firm – sing songs of praise to the Lord – and watch the Lord deliver them from their enemies.

As the people obey the commands of the Lord, He performs an amazing miracle and delivers them from their enemies.  God confused the enemies of Judah and they turned against each other.  They ended up slaughtering one another and the people of Judah plundered all of their riches, equipment and clothing.  All of the surrounding nations heard of the miraculous delivery of the people of Judah.  The fear of God came over them and there was rest and peace on every side of the kingdom of Judah.

The story of 2 Chronicles 20 is a Scriptural illustration of the truths reflected in the lyrics of the song “Battle Belongs”.  Remember this story every time you hear this song in the future.  More importantly, apply the lyrics of this song to your own daily battles.  As you sing this song in the future, picture yourself on your knees – with your hands lifted high – God light shining through the clouds – pouring your heart out to the Lord and asking Him to fight the battle you are facing.