“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them!” (Revelation 12:11-12a in the New King James Version of the Holy Bible). There…
“And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Beracah; for there they blessed the Lord: therefore the name of the same place was called The Valley of Beracah, unto this day.” (2 Chronicles 20:26 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible)
Ever been in the valley of discouragement? I have. It’s not fun!
In our devotional verse, the Valley of Beracah is called a blessing. Jehoshaphat gathered his troops up early one morning and gave them a pep talk about believing God and the prophets. He did a strange thing that day by ordering a choir to march ahead of the troops, singing and giving thanks to God.
Because of the shouting and praising, God set ambushes against their enemies. The enemy became confused and killed each other before Judah got there. There was so much equipment, clothing and valuables that it took three days to carry away all the spoils of victory. On the fourth day, they celebrated in the valley of Berachah and called it the Valley of Blessing.
Praise will get you victory even in the valley!
Prayer: Today, Lord, I’m in the valley but Your Word tells me that the valley is where you restore my soul. Victory is coming if I just keep praising Your name! Thank You for the valley of blessing! Amen!
Devotion by Kaye Singleton
O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph, (Psalm 47:1, Holy Bible, King James).
- Vocal chords betray inner emotions. Discouraged? The voice will tell. Exuberant? No way to contain the excitement of tumbling words. This psalmist pushes aside the difficulties of life with the admonition to forget unfortunate situations and shout with the voice of triumph. Give it a try. Let your victorious voice be heard today.
- Prayer: Lord, I push aside my despair. I clap my hand and shout triumphant praises to Your holy name. Amen.
- Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
“And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi {that is, The LORD my banner}:”(Exodus 17:15 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible). The Word of God reminds us today that we must construct altars of remembrance for the victories we have won while holding high the banner of His Name. The track record of God’s faithfulness should give us courage to face any obstacle in our future.
Prayer: Most High God, when I call You my Jehovah-Nissi, I have effectively raised the banner of Your sovereignty over every circumstance in my life. If I will uphold the awesome Name of Jesus, I will experience victory today and everyday! Amen.
Devotion by Julie Long