The Battle Belongs to the Lord

Here is a poem I wrote, inspired by the powerful passage in 2 Chronicles 20. As Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah face the armies of Moab, Ammon, and Mount Seir, they are placed in an uncertain position. Yet, God’s people find that they do not need to fear since the battle did not belong to them. When the Lord fought for them, His people only needed to stand still to see His salvation (2 Chronicles 20:17).

There are many times in our lives when all we can do is cry out like the Judeans: “nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You” (2 Chronicles 20:12). Sometimes, that is exactly the place that God wants us to be in—it is then that we understand that the Lord’s mercy endures forever (2 Chronicles 20:21). In every situation, God calls us to praise Him and be still, for when God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:28)

Take courage in knowing that whatever war you may be waging, the battle is not yours—it is the Lord’s.

The Battle Belongs to the Lord

When facing an army of one against three

Jehoshaphat fasted and bowed his knee

All of Judah prayed and sought the Lord’s face:

“Hear us, O Lord; Show us Your grace

You are the God who gave us this land

You’ve provided and protected with Your great hand.

Our eyes are on You, for salvation is Yours

The battle is not ours; it is the Lord’s.”

Then the Lord answered: “ Do not be dismayed.

Do not lose hope, and be not afraid.

Don’t be dismayed at the multitude's size

To see your salvation, lift up your eyes

Though the armies surround you on every side

I will be with you; I’ll be your guide

Stand still, for you will not fight in this war

For the battle’s not yours; it is the Lord’s.”

So the next morning, they rose early

And in the wilderness, they began their journey

Then Jehoshaphat cried out, “People, believe!

And God’s salvation you will perceive

God has been faithful ever since time began

Trust in His promises; be still in His hand

We will fight with neither spear nor sword

For the battle is not ours; it is the Lord’s.”

Thus, they marched forward, singing God’s praise

They went before the armies, their voices raised

“Praise be the Lord; His covenant is sure

Praise to the Lord for His mercy endures.” 

The three armies were ambushed and defeated

Not one man escaped; the battle had been completed

And everyone proclaimed in one accord—

“The battle is not ours; it is the Lord’s.”

We, as God’s soldiers, have been armed

The Lord covers us with His wings; we won’t be harmed

We, as God’s children, have God as our shield 

The Lord is our help; His power He will reveal 

In the midst of the battle, we have nothing to fear

Hold fast, be still; His salvation is near.

God has won the battle— He has scored

For the battle’s not ours; it is the Lord’s 

Jesus is the victor; He has broken all chains

He defeated sin and death; forever, He reigns! 

When we’re weary and worn in the midst of the unknown

Call upon God— He won’t leave us alone!

Through the battles, He brings about His glory and our good

Let us believe in His promises just like we should

Be encouraged! Let your spirits soar

For the battle’s not yours; it is the Lord’s.

© Annelisa Stephen 2024