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WHEN YOU ARE FEELING OPPRESSED or otherwise troubled, use the "weapon of praise." Satan and the powers of darkness simply cannot stand before someone who is offering up sincere thanks to God in anticipation of their personal deliverance...
Calling upon the LORD means more than simply keeping a positive attitude, though having a positive attitude (i.e., hope) and using ayin tovah (a good eye) is surely part of the arsenal we use to "fight the good fight of faith." Victory over the dark powers comes through verbally affirming (i.e., confessing) our faith in God's Presence and trusting in the deliverance given in Yeshua our Savior (Rom. 10:9). We must repent of our attitude of defeat and believe in the victory: As we call upon the LORD so are we delivered from our enemies.
It is written that the LORD is "enthroned among the praises of His people" (Psalm 22:3), and therefore offering earnest praise is our direct line to the Divine Presence. Praising the LORD also causes the power of the evil one to be cut off, his eyes blinded, and his malice thwarted. For example, when Israel went to battle, the shofar (ram's horn) was sounded and great cries of praise went up to heaven. "So on they went, ahead of the army chanting, hodu ladonai, ki leolam chasdo – 'Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever!' And the scripture says, "...when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set an ambush against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were routed" (2 Chron. 20:22). Our victory over darkness is found in praise and hope, even when we are tested in the midst of the battle. Friends, use the weapon of praise!
Praise God despite your present difficulties by antcipating good to come: "Though the fig tree does not blossom, nor fruit be found on the vines, though the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, and though the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation" (Hab. 3:17-18). Augustine renders the phrase "God of my Salvation" (Elohei Yishi) as "God my Jesus," since "Jesus" (i.e., Yeshua) literally means YHVH saves. Always remember that we never fight for, but always from, the place of His victory. The joy of the LORD is our strength, and we find that strength in Yeshua our risen and victorious Savior.
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