Praise in the Promise

“For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him. That is why it is through Him that we utter our Amen to God for His glory.”

2 Corinthians 1:20 ESV

I begin reading Second Chronicles in late February and finish the first week of March almost every year—my schedule rarely veers from that reading path. Unlike First Chronicles, which focuses on King David’s heroic accomplishments in battle, kingdom-building, and preparation of the people and resources necessary for constructing the Temple of God, Second Chronicles stretches over four hundred years, highlighting the highs and lows of the kings who followed David.

One of those kings from the line of David was Jehoshaphat. Good King Jehoshaphat has been a favorite of mine since I was a child. The original attraction was his name; the way it rolled around in my mouth made it fun to say. Over the years, I grew to appreciate his heart for God and desire to lead God’s people well.

Jehoshaphat’s 25-year reign over Judah is recorded in Second Chronicles Chapters 17-20.

When I reread Second Chronicles Chapter 20 a couple of days ago, one verse caught my attention—verse 22.

“And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed.” 2 Chronicles 20:22 ESV

In earlier readings and a devotion I wrote based on this chapter several years ago, I focused on God’s instructions to Judah as they faced a seemingly invincible enemy. God told Judah they would not be fighting the battle—their job was to stand firm, remain steadfast, and watch Him work. God told the King and his people that He would be with them—God would fight for Judah.

After reading verse twenty-two, I read the entire passage again and then again. Listen to King Jehoshaphat’s words of encouragement and his rallying cry.

“Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe His prophets, and you will succeed.” 2 Chronicles 20:20

Believe. Believe God. Believe His promise.

Then, Judah’s choir, dressed in holy choral attire—not outfitted for battle—led the army to meet the three enemy armies that had come together to defeat God’s people. They led with praise.

What stands out to me is that BEFORE any battle encounter occurred, BEFORE God raised His hand against the enemy, and BEFORE the Israelites saw victory, God’s people began praising God for the victory. The people praised God in the promise.

I love that. Praise in the Promise.

Believers—Christ-followers—we are People of Promise.

God is the Great Promise Maker. And He is the Great Promise Keeper.

Beginning in Genesis and throughout Scripture to the last chapter of Revelation, we read of the promises of God. We read of the fulfillment of many of those promises. And we read of the promises yet to be fulfilled.

Promises kept are evidence that our God is a Promise-Keeping God. What God says He will do—He will do. We can be confident that our God will keep every promise He has ever made.

God’s promises assure us of His unending love for us.
God’s promises encourage us as we walk as strangers in a strange, challenging, sin-filled world.
God’s promises are the source of our hope for today, tomorrow, and eternity.

We should not hold our praise and thanksgiving until we see the fulfillment of God’s promises. The promise itself is reason for our praise.