Avoid conflict and trouble, for enough of it fetches to a man without his asking, but if you are attacked, smite them hip and thigh.”
–Louis L’Amour (Sackett)
“And when he [Jehoshaphat] had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the LORD, and who should praise the beauty of holiness as they went out before the army and were saying: ‘Praise the LORD, for His mercy endures forever.'”
–2 Chronicles 20:21 (NKJV)
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“I’m singing in the rain, just singing in the rain…” Where do you sing? A stereotypical place to sing is in the shower. That’s a good place for me because the shower drowns out the noise from my voice. We sing in the car, we hum a tune at our desk, we may even try to serenade a loved one. Now here’s the important question, what keeps you from singing? As you read the second portion of Psalm 149 in this morning‘s devotion, ponder that thought.
5 — Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud on their beds.
6 — Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand,
7 — To execute vengeance on the nations, and punishments on the peoples;
8 — To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;
9 — To execute on them the written judgment–this honor have all His saints. Praise the LORD! (NKJV)
Many sing or play the type of music that depicts their moods. A guy’s girlfriend breaks up and he begins to sing the blues, when he should really be singing, “free, free again.” Have you noticed the music they place in movies? They make it fit the mood of the scene. Look at this psalm again; it moves from a congregation at worship to an army in training. Steven Lawson writes that, “worship and warfare are to be their dual commitment. These worshipers are to be aggressive warriors, fully engaged in fighting God’s enemies.”
The song has turned into a battle cry and notice that it is the saints who do the singing. Judgment is coming and the saints will in some way be involved. Of course this psalm is directed to Israel, but we know that the Word of God is inspired and is for us to use in our daily lives. Look at what happens: kings will be subdued and chained up, other leaders will be held in shackles of iron. When I played ball, I never went into a game thinking that we would lose. I knew some of the teams were better, but I also knew that there was always a chance of winning. I wonder how many times we face a battle, spiritual or otherwise, and we go into battle thinking we are going to lose. What an attitude–one of defeat. This is the time to shine–to fight, and to fight with a song of victory and praise on our lips. We should be confident when we go into battle, oh no, not in our own ability, even though the Lord has been training and equipping us for the battle; but our confidence must be in Him. He will bring the victory!
Let me finish this morning with this from Lawson, “Praising God is the highest honor afforded believers. It should never be allowed to become a dreary duty… A low view of God produces lukewarm insipid worship. But a high view of God produces fervent, zealous adoration.” The battle is coming and I will say has already come. Is your soul in turmoil or are you singing victorious praises to the Lord? Check your attitude and your gratitude. As W. Graham Scroggie said, “Joy and judgment are wedded. Praise and power go hand in hand.”
“Praise Him! praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!
Sing, O Earth, His wonderful love proclaim!
Hail Him! hail Him! Highest archangels in glory;
Strength and honor give to His holy name!
Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard His children,
In His arms He carries them all day long:
Praise Him! praise Him! tell of His excellent greatness;
Praise Him! praise Him! ever in joyful song!”
–Fanny J. Crosby