Galatians 5:25-26 – “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”  NIV

If we are to reach the place in our lives that we Reject Worry and become people who Pray About Everything we will also have to become people who Praise God in all things and at all times.  Paul instructed us in Philippians 4:7 to “let your requests be made known unto God by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving.”  Praise is your way of saying “I acknowledge you, Lord!  You are the victor.  You are LORD.  You are my provider, deliverer, guide, sustainer, and life.”  Praise is focusing on the ‘outcome’, not the “circumstances.”

The Bible has some interesting things to say about what will transpire when we develop this in our lives.  When we learn to ‘reject worry’ and become ‘people of prayer and praise’ what happens?

Philippians 4:7 – “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You because he trusts in You.”

Psalm 23:2 – “He leads me beside still waters….”

I am not talking about something artificial where on the outside all looks calm but a raging storm on the inside.  I am talking about ‘peace in the storm.’  Paul tells us in Colossians 3:15 that we are to let the peace of God rule our hearts.  The word rule here could be rightly translated as ‘umpire’.

Remember the account in 2 Chronicles 20 when Jehoshaphat and the nation are in a predicament?  If you read that you will find that Jehoshaphat did not set himself to ‘worry’ rather he prayed the covenant.  [vv.6-12] He expressed the covenant.  He rehearsed the covenant being honest with God saying, “We are in a mess and do not know what to do.”  He released faith saying, “Our eyes are upon you.”  In v. 13 we find that ALL the men and women of Judah attended the prayer meeting!  It was there that the answer came. 

That is the way it always is, when people begin praying God’s Covenant God Answers!  Jahaziel spoke and said, “Don’t be afraid or dismayed.  The battle is not yours, it’s God’s.  You don’t have to fight, just position yourselves and see the salvation of the Lord. Do not be afraid, for the Lord will be with you.” 

What they were instructed to do and did is nothing short of amazing!  It went against all conventional wisdom and military strategy, but God directed it and in obedience, to God’s directive the victory came!  Imagine putting the choir out in front of the army!  They began a praise service in (v. 19) and as they began to sing praises God ambushed the enemy and routed them!  Jehoshaphat instructed the people – Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be Established.  Believe in His prophets and you will Prosper. 

We have a choice in every situation.  We can worry or trust, fret or pray, rationalize, and complain or repent if necessary and we can praise or grumble.  Praise inspires faith and releases peace in our hearts and thereby affects the situation positively.  So, it is your choice!  Will you learn how to March to God’s Drumbeat, or will you allow the devil to intimidate you through worry and fear?

God be with you as you go through your day!