Page 230 - Conflict and Courage (1970)

Basic HTML Version

The Battle Song, July 31
2 Chronicles 20:22-30
And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the
Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out
before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for
ever.
2 Chronicles 20:21
.
It was a singular way of going to battle against the enemy’s army—praising
the Lord with singing, and exalting the God of Israel. This was their battle song.
They possessed the beauty of holiness. If more praising of God were engaged in
now, hope and courage and faith would steadily increase. And would not this
strengthen the hands of the valiant soldiers who today are standing in defense of
truth
They praised God for the victory, and four days thereafter the army returned
to Jerusalem, laden with the spoils of their enemies, singing praise for the victory
won
When we have a deeper appreciation of the mercy and loving- kindness of
God, we shall praise Him, instead of complaining. We shall talk of the loving
watchcare of the Lord, of the tender compassion of the Good Shepherd. The
language of the heart will not be selfish murmuring and repining. Praise, like a
clear, flowing stream, will come from God’s truly believing ones....
Why not awake the voice of spiritual song in the days of our pilgrimage? ...
We need to study God’s Word, to meditate and pray. Then we shall have spiritual
eyesight to discern the inner courts of the celestial temple. We shall catch the
notes of thanksgiving sung by the heavenly choir around the throne. When Zion
shall arise and shine, her light will be most penetrating, and songs of praise and
thanksgiving will be heard in the assembly of the saints. Little disappointments
and difficulties will be lost sight of.
The Lord is our helper.... No one ever trusted God in vain. He never disap-
points those who put their dependence on Him. If we would only do the work
that the Lord would have us do, walking in the footsteps of Jesus, our hearts
would become sacred harps, every chord of which would send forth praise and
thanksgiving to the One sent by God to take away the sin of the world
[219]
53
Ibid., 202
.
54
Sons and Daughters of God, 199
.
55
Ibid., 198
.
226