Are you grateful? – Day 4

Thank you in anticipation. We use these words at the end of a formal letter or e-mail after a request was presented in the hope that the recipient will deal with the request favourably. We also give thanks before knowing the outcome.

In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul says we should do the same in our religious life: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat applied this principle during a difficult time in history. Three armies – the Moabites, Ammonites and Meunites – joined forces to attack Judah. King Jehoshaphat realised that they could totally wipe out his nation, so he became fearful. He called for a day of fasting and prayer with the whole nation standing before God. In 2 Chronicles 20:12 he prays: “O our God … we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”

The Spirit of the Lord then gave a message through one of the men in the assembly: “Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s … You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord … for the Lord is with you.’ ” Jehoshaphat and the people knelt before God, giving thanks in anticipation.

The next morning, Jehoshaphat’s army went out to the battle ground. Not with the strongest warriors in the forefront, but rather with the people leading the praise and worship, singing to God: “Praise the Lord, His love endures forever.” Another moment of thanksgiving in anticipation of what God can do.

The result? When Judah arrived at the place of battle, they found only dead bodies on the ground. The Lord wrought unexpected attacks and not one of the enemy soldiers survived.

What is your request at this moment? Do you long for a financial breakthrough, a job, a spouse, a child, a cure from your disease or do you perhaps also have a giant in your life threatening to wipe you out? Have you presented your request in prayer and supplication, while thanking God in anticipation for what he can do? Let’s then walk into battle with the knowledge that the battle is not ours, but God’s. Position yourself and let him fight on your behalf. God bless.