While millions watched on television, Nik Wallenda
walked across Niagara Falls on a 1,800-foot wire that was only 5 inches in
diameter. He took all the precautions he could. But adding to the drama and
danger of both the height and the rushing water below, a thick mist obscured
Nik’s sight, wind threatened his balance, and spray from the falls challenged
his footing. Amid—and perhaps because of—these perils, he said that he “prayed
a lot” and praised God.
The Israelites also praised God in the middle of a
dangerous challenge. Theirs involved a large group of warriors who had gathered
to fight them (2 Chron. 20:2). After humbly asking God for help, King
Jehoshaphat appointed a choir to march out into battle in front of the
Israelite army. The worshipers sang: “Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures
forever” (v.21). When they began to sing, the Lord caused the enemy forces to
attack and destroy each other.
Praising God in the midst of a challenge may mean overriding our natural instincts. We tend toward self-protection, strategizing, and worry. However, worshiping can guard our hearts against troubling thoughts and self-reliance. It reminds us of the lesson the Israelites learned: “The battle is not [ours], but God’s” (v.15).
