What do you do when you are afraid, up against the wall, facing sickness, or hard times? I hope this encourages you!
In 2 Chronicles 20, the Israelites are up against a vast army [vs. 2] and as Jehoshaphat fasts, prays and seeks God, God hears and responds [vs. 15-17]:
[15] ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. [16] Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. [17] You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’
I love that God knows us so well, He always speaks courage and strength, rather than reprimanding us for being afraid!
Then God says that He will be with them, they will not have to fight, but notice that he tells them that they do need to take up their positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD. Being a Christian does not mean we will not have battles. In fact, we are promised that we will have battles to fight while living on earth – and we must show up to the battle prepared to fight. Be confident that you are not alone, the battle belongs to God! God is for you, with you, and strengthens you!
As Jehoshophat prepared to go to the battle lines, he appoints people to go ahead of the army “to sing the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness…” [vs. 21]. Then something happens, [vs 22]:
As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.
Worship is powerful! As we worship – we exalt God:
Putting God first in our thoughts and minds – and declaring Him above our fears, thoughts, and circumstances, will begin to shift the spiritual world. Worship routs the enemy. As I sat up Saturday night, worried, wondering, praying over a fever Jordan had, I remembered these verses. I began to worship God. Jordan relaxed and fell asleep. I felt a tangible shift in circumstances as Jesus entered the equation.
Faith pleases God: A heart that trusts in and has faith in God is one that can worship in any circumstance. We can worship when our feelings and emotions don’t want to. We can worship when our thoughts are screaming doubts and fears. Use your voice today (yes, I mean speak, sing, declare OUT LOUD) to worship God in the midst of any circumstance, and watch your enemies flee. Watch grace and favor open up before you. Peace, joy, wisdom and understanding will surround you and guide you.
Worship creates an atmosphere: Worship creates an atmosphere in which the enemy simply cannot operate in our families, situations, church, community or nation. As we gather to worship in our churches each week remember that we are one body, lifting up the name of Jesus, so that those in our communities and homes can be set free. Our worship tears down the powers and principalities that set themselves up against the knowledge of God. Our worship releases the prisoners from addiction, poverty, fear, shame, sickness and disease!
Worship is your position of power: Often we feel silly “just worshipping” when we are in the midst of a crisis. It is the last thing that we want to do. It is the last thing that seems reasonable to do. Just as it seems insane to send some musicians out in front of the army, face to face with the enemy forces, and start singing. But, in God’s kingdom, worship is our position of strength and power. Worship routs the enemies. Worship puts us in a position to hear and receive from God. Worship gets the attention of heaven, and nothing can stand against God!
Remember, our fight is not against flesh and blood, so we will need to become skilled at using the weapons of prayer and worship and the Word of God to wage the wars that we face! [2 Corinthians 10:3-4, Ephesians 6:10-18]
Love you all, thanks for reading! ~ Annie
