Tuesday, June 10, 2025
And the Levites, of the Kohathites and the Korahites, stood up to praise the LORD, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice. And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed.” 2 Chronicles 20:19-20
Worship is Always A Good Idea
The kingdom of Israel had divided into two separate kingdoms; The northern kingdom remaining the kingdom of Israel, and the southern kingdom called Judah, over which Jehoshaphat reigned as king. Messengers came to king Jehoshaphat and warned him that a massive army of Edomites, Ammonites, and Moabites were coming to attack Jehoshaphat and Judah. Jehoshaphat, not knowing what to do in the face of this great threat, prayed to the Lord for guidance. We learned from Jehoshaphat’s example that the first thing to do when we don’t know what to do is to focus on God. The second thing we learned from Jehoshaphat’s example is to worship God in the face of uncertainty.
They had been given the promise by God that they would have victory over this battle because it was not their battle - it was the Lord’s. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's. Tomorrow go down against them… You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf...’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD will be with you.” 2 Chronicles 20: 15b-17 They were praying and thanking God while a group of them stood up and started worshipping the Lord.
This group of singers were appointed by King David as the official choir of Israel. These are the men David put in charge of the music in the Lord’s temple after the ark came to rest there. They ministered with song in front of the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, until Solomon built the Lord’s temple in Jerusalem, and they performed their task according to the regulations given to them. 1 Chronicles 6:13
Their worship brought their attention to the only one who could even help them. The element of fear was gone. The promise of God was in their hearts and worship was the result. They might have still been a little nervous because they were human, and God still wanted them to go to the battle, but they praised anyway.
I have worshiped my way through some of the worst days of my life - days filled with fear, anxiety, worry, and depression. Music has always been a source of healing and comfort for me personally, as well as a joyful expression. Worship in the hard times is a choice we make over defeat, a true sacrifice of praise when our heart is anxious. We are human and God knows we will have human feelings, even when we believe His promises. Worship is a soothing balm for our very human feelings, and it reminds us of the things we know - God’s faithfulness and promises.
Gathering together in corporate worship is one of the most important things we can do. Coming together in adoration for Him and confessing His truth together is powerful. It is a weapon against Satan and focusing on our God instead of our problems is a testimony of our faith in Him. God accepts the offering of praise and makes it an occasion for His power to be devastating to the enemy. Community worship unites us as one body before Christ, in agreement of his promises and claiming His victory.
