WEDNESDAY: WORSHIP THROUGH MUSIC

KEY PASSAGE
2 Chronicles 20:5-30

DEVOTIONAL

Have you ever wondered why we sing as a church? In His infinite wisdom, God chose something as abstract as music and singing to be a powerful weapon for His kingdom. One of the clearest examples of this is found in 2 Chronicles 20, where a battle is won - quite literally - through worship.

God’s people once again found themselves up against multiple enemies who sought to wage war against them. When King Jehoshaphat was notified of the approaching threat, he did not respond by preparing for battle. Instead, he stood in front of God’s people and cried out to God saying, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You” (v.12).

As he prayed, the Spirit of the Lord spoke through the prophet Jahaziel, saying, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s… You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you” (v.15, 17). 

Rather than picking up weapons of war, the people chose weapons of worship. They fell face down before God, worshiped, praised, and sang, saying, “Give thanks to the Lord for His love endures forever.” 

As they sang with a heart of worship— acknowledging God for who He is, what He has done and responding in obedience to Him— the armies that were against them turned on one another, defeating themselves. When the singing was over and God’s people marched to the battlefield, they discovered that God Himself had already fought the battle on their behalf. They chose praise over panic and faith over fear - and God moved powerfully. 

CHALLENGE

What battle are you facing today? What situation causes you to say, “God, I do not know what to do, but my eyes are on You”? Bring that situation to God, pick your favorite worship song and sing it to Him. As you worship, watch and listen -  pay attention to how God meets you and ministers to your heart as you give Him the praise He deserves.