Should you thank God in the midst of trials?

Perhaps the greatest example of the supernatural power of thanking God in the midst of trials is 2 Chronicles 20:20. Yes, you saw that right, 20:20. Please read it and meditate on its significance: “…As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, ‘Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.’” (2 Chronicles 20:20, NIV)  

There’s no doubt 2020 has been one of the roughest, weirdest, and most challenging years of our lives. Our normal, amazing lives have been ripped away by a virus and the fear of it, but could there be a way out of this mess that we’ve not tried yet? What have you tried to do to grow through these trials?

King Jehoshaphat and his people were surrounded by three powerful armies that had conspired against them. Israel was outnumbered and outgunned, so the king needed a new plan. When you read the words of this story, you can’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all: “After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise Him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: ‘Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.’” (2 Chronicles 20:21, NIV) Can you imagine the worship team marching in front of the army? That sounds like pure suicide. No spears, shields, or swords—just singing, “give thanks to the Lord.”

If I had been there, I might have questioned this plan. Would you have gone along with it? Seriously? Well, the whole army agreed with the plan to send the worship team in front and watch the carnage, but God showed up: “As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.” (2 Chronicles 20:22, NIV)

I’m sure you are facing many trials, setbacks, and challenges with the lockdowns, riots, or virus, but God wants to show up for you. Just start praising Him every day with your voice or an instrument. Join a choir or turn on Christian music. Let praise lead the way, and watch God lift your mood, finances, and future. Watch God turn back your enemy. Watch God touch your family. 

Because you’re a miracle.