Worship Before Battle

"Then the LORD said to Joshua, 'See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams' horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in.'" -Joshua 6:2-5 When we're about to enter a battle in life, it's a good idea to put the spiritual armor on. In other words, it's important to pray and worship to lay the spiritual groundwork for what we're about to encounter. Whether it's an important board meeting, an audition, a Sunday morning service, or a potentially challenging meeting with a boss or client, it's vitally important we have times with God where we ask Him to cover us with His mercy and grace, and we exalt Him for all that He is in our lives. This is primarily for our benefit - God knows we need continued reminders of His nature, in addition to a regular dose of His presence and love. Joshua and his army were about to attack the city of Jericho. But God gave them very specific instructions for this battle. He said, "March around the city once every day for six days, and then march around the city seven times on the seventh day, with the priests blowing the trumpets. Have the people shout when they hear the trumpets. When they do, the walls will fall down." (paraphrase of Joshua 6) Can you imagine what that must've looked like? Wow!! An entire city's huge stone walls crumbling to the ground must've been quite a sight. And all they did was follow God's instructions. As they obeyed Him, blew the trumpets and shouted, they claimed the city on behalf of the nation of Israel. What instructions has God given you? Is it fervent prayer on your knees, worship and praise to your favorite worship music, reading a certain passage of scripture, or all of the above? Whatever it is, make sure you listen to the still small voice to prepare your heart for the battle ahead. The good news is, with God, the battle is already won. Related resource: God's Priorities: Living the Lord's Prayer Everyday by J. John