LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
Sunday 28th September 2025
KEEP PRAISING THE LORD
Scripture Reading: 2 Chronicles 20:1-30
Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat in front of them, to go back to Jerusalem with joy, for the Lord had made them rejoice over their enemies. So they came to Jerusalem, with stringed instruments and harps and trumpets, to the house of the Lord. 2 Chronicles 20:27-28
King Jehoshaphat and Judah not only went into battle singing the praises of the Lord. They also returned from battle with songs of praise on their lips. From a war the people of God were doomed to die in, the Lord brought them out alive and well.
1. They returned together safely. Every man from Judah and Jerusalem who had gone into battle returned unharmed. No life was lost. This was nothing short of a miracle, considering the overwhelming odds against them. To have suffered no casualty in a war of this scale was divine.
2. They returned with the king leading the praise. The king showed his humility in leading the praise team to thank the Lord. It is easy for people to turn to the Lord when they are in trouble, but they often forget Him when He gives them victory. We must guard against high-mindedness when the Lord promotes us and takes us to great heights, lest it become an impediment to our praise.
3. They returned with rejoicing in the Lord. If the Lord had not been on their side, this would have been a return with mourning and tears. What a mighty God we serve. He alone is able to bring to pass what is considered impossible. The Lord overturned the expectation of the wicked. He changed the story of His children. He still does great things for His children when they praise and exalt Him right in the face of challenges and difficulties.
4. They returned to the house of the Lord. I’m glad they did not simply return to their homes but made the first stop at the house of the Lord. It was a recognition of who the source of their victory was. Unfortunately, many fail to do this. After being blessed by the Lord they do not return to His house to praise and honour Him. But as the people of Judah did, so must we. When the Lord blesses us we must come into His presence to thank and honour Him.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for all the victories you have given me. I return with songs and praise to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
