When life comes at you – and it will because this life is not easy – how you respond? What are your go-to strategies to face the trials of this life? How do you cope with the stress of life and fight back against the struggles you’re facing?
It’s tempting to turn to solutions of this world for support. Do you find yourself fighting back with your words or actions (maybe not-so-nice ones)? Or, do you turn to Google to look for solutions and end up more stressed and worried than when you started? Do you turn to alcohol or drugs to numb the pain and try to ignore the battles on your doorstep?
The world offers numerous solutions to fight back or run from our battles. We are lured into thinking these are our only options – and too often turn our back on God in our times of need, wondering how he could even help.
Instead, turn to prayers of praise to invite God to fight your battles.
How to Fight Your Battles
One of my favorite passages in the Bible is 2 Chronicles 20, the story of King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah. A vast army was marching against them – actually three armies – and they were afraid. They were outnumbered and didn’t see how they could possibl win this one.
So, King Jehoshaphat turned to God in prayer, placing his trust fully in God. He knew he didn’t have the strength on his own to face this battle and no solution of his own would be sufficient.
God told the king to have faith and trust him. God was fighting this battle. King Jehoshaphat was to take his army out to the battlefield, trusting that God would be with them.
King Jehoshaphat appointed men to lead them into battle singing songs of praise and thanksgiving. He wanted their hearts fully focused on God and God’s great goodness. He knew when they poured themselves into songs of praise and thanksgiving, they would push out the fear and worry.
As they sang songs of praise and thanksgiving, God fought the battle for them and defeated the vast armies of enemies.
Early in the
2 Chronicles 20:20-22 NIVmorning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. 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.” After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praisehim 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.”
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.
Face Your Trials with Praise and Thanksgiving
God shows us throughout the Bible, though, that the best way to face our battles is with prayer – and specifically prayers of praise and thanksgiving. Focus your heart and mind and soul on God, praising him for his great power and might and love.
God is by your side through all the battles of this life. He will fight for you and direct your feet through your trials.
Praising God as you walk through the fire will bring strength and peace to your heart.
Fill your heart with praise for God, pushing out the fear and worry.
5 Prayers of Praise and Thanksgiving When You’re Embattled
Prayer to a God Worthy of My Praise
O Lord, I will sing your praises, I will worship you, for you are great and worthy of my praise. I will declare your glory to all who will hear, and tell of your wondrous deeds, for you are faithful and true to save and protect your people. You made the heavens and earth, you reign above all, you are bigger than anything in this world. I will rejoice in your power and might, knowing you are more than the problems I’m facing, knowing you are by my side through it all, knowing that you are my king and my salvation. O Lord, I will praise you and proclaim your goodness even in the darkest valley. Fill my heart with your strength and peace. Amen. (Psalm 96)
Prayer of Praise to the Great Shepherd
Heavenly and Almighty Father, I will worship you with a glad heart, singing with joy for you are God. You made me and I am yours. You are my Great Shepherd, my Protector. I will lack for nothing as long as I follow you. You will lead me to lie down in green pastures and be refreshed by still waters. You guide my feet along the right paths, walking by my side, even though I walk through
Prayer of Praise to God, My Help and My Salvation
Holy Lord, I will exalt you and praise your name, for you are great and mighty. You protect me and save me. You are by my side and
Prayer of Praise for God Who is Faithful and True
O Lord, my Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Through the praise of your children, you have established a stronghold against the enemy, establishing your glory in the heavens. I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart. I will be glad and rejoice in you. I will sing praises of your name, O Lord Most High. For you reign over this world forever. You are a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. You are faithful to those who place their trust in you. You are true to those who seek you. You will never forget me and you protect me. O Lord, I give you my thanks and praise, for you are my God. Amen. (Psalm 8, 9)
Prayer to Sing God’s Praise, Even When My Heart is Heavy
O Lord Most High, I will shout for joy and sing your praises, though my heart is heavy. I will praise you because your power is great and mighty are your deeds. My enemies will cringe and fall before you. All the earth bows to you and sings your praises. You hear me and answer my prayers. You forgive me, even though my life is overwhelmed with sin. You are my hope and my strength. You God, are my God, and I thirst for you, you refresh me and save me. I will glorify you because your love is better than life. I will praise you as long as I love, lifting up your name, because you are my help and my salvation. Praise be to you, God, for you hear my prayers and love me truly. Amen. (Psalm 63, 65, 66)
Surrounded – 14-Day Devotional to Fight Your Battles with Praise
Do you feel surrounded by the battles of life?
Fight back with praise, knowing God is by your side through whatever you’re fighting.
Go deeper with Surrounded – a 14-day Devotional to Fight Your Battles with Praise.
In this devotional, you’ll explore how God is in fighting for you and why praising God is your best weapon in the battle.
As a bonus, you’ll get a set of printable prayer and scripture cards, including the five prayers above.
Click here to learn more about the Surrounded Devotional.
Claudette Rose says
Thank you for helping me to go deeper with God.