
“The corporate act of worship became a spiritual fortress, safeguarding us from our enemy’s onslaught and reinforcing God’s protection over our lives!”
— Rebecca Bracey
Praise not only expresses our adoration for God but also serves as a potent weapon in our spiritual battles. Listen to the story of King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20:
15 He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘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, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’” […] 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.
2 Chronicles 20:15-17, 22
In this story, we witness a vivid illustration of this truth. We experience victories in our lives through the power of praise and persistence in prayer and worship.
Persistence in Prayer
The people had gathered to pray in the face of extreme and impending danger. Jehoshaphat encouraged his people to respond to this danger with prayer and fasting. The odds were clearly stacked against them, yet instead of erupting into panic or despair they were persistent in prayer, and when the Word of the Lord was given, they acted quickly.
Their persistent prayer wasn’t a mere religious exercise, but a defined act of trust in God’s providence and care. Persistent prayer demonstrates unyielding faith in God, acknowledging that His timing and ways are perfect. Moreover, it embodies a commitment to maintain our connection with God, regardless of the challenges we are facing. It is through this persistent prayer and constant communion with Him that we can truly experience God’s presence and intervention in our lives, even amid trials and tribulations.
Unwavering Praise
When the people of Judah lifted their voices in praise to God, significant shifts began to occur. Scriptures delineate how God started acting on their behalf as they praised Him. The Lord orchestrated strategic ambushes against the adversaries of Judah, leading them into confusion and internal conflict, resulting in their self-destruction (2 Chronicles 20:22-23). Judah’s act of praise, coupled with their unwavering trust in God, became the catalyst for this miraculous victory.
We have to see that our own acts of unwavering praise can serve as a conduit for God’s power to manifest in our lives. The strength of our praise can pave the way for divine intervention, bringing about redemption in situations that seem impossible. Praise can transcend our understanding, transforming seemingly insurmountable obstacles into opportunities for God’s grace to prevail.
The Power of Corporate Worship
A detail that’s easy to miss here is that there was power in the COMMUNITY and CORPORATE act of worship. As a community collectively lifts its voice in worship, there was a protection and canopy placed over the entire nation. This communal act of worship became a spiritual fortress, safeguarding Judah from their enemy’s onslaught and reinforcing God’s protection.
When we engage in corporate worship, we are actively participating in spiritual warfare, not only for ourselves but for those around us. We confront and disarray the powers of evil, not with physical weapons but with songs of praise and worship. This spiritual act of worship can trigger God’s intervention in our circumstances. As we raise our voices in worship, we are, in essence, releasing God’s power to thwart the enemy’s plans and usher in His divine plan of victory in and through our community.
Conclusion
The incredible story of Judah’s victory over their enemies serves as a reminder that our praise and worship hold tremendous power. It can break chains, tear down walls, and bring forth miracles in our lives and the lives of those around us. As we join together in corporate worship, remember that we are not just singing songs; we are declaring God’s goodness and power over our lives and circumstances. As we lift our voices in praise, watch as God’s redemption and victory unfold before our very eyes!
So, the next time you find yourself in a difficult situation, remember the power of corporate worship and lift your voice in praise to the One who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. Let us come together as a community, united in worship and watch as God moves mightily among us!
To read more about this story, and other stories like it, check out Chapter 13 in my book “Unlocking the Miraculous.”