2 Chronicles 20 tells the story of the people of Israel going to battle against the inhabitants of Moab, Ammon, and all of Mount Seir. Before the battle, Jehoshaphat, Israel's leader, gathers them together to seek the Lord. In verse 17, the Lord responds to their prayers through Jehaziel, the son of a Levite, and declares, "You need not fight in this battle; take your positions, stand and witness the salvation of the Lord who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem."
The next morning, Jehoshaphat prepares the people for battle but instead of starting with his bravest warriors in front or sending in his most trusted battalion first - he sends out the worshippers.
"When he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who sang to the Lord and those who praised Him in their holy (priestly) attire, as they went out before the army and said, “Praise and give thanks to the Lord, for His mercy and lovingkindness endure forever (Verse 21).”
And look at the outcome:
"When they began singing and praising, the Lord set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; so they were struck down [in defeat] (Verse 22)."
I have thought of this story a great deal this week and continue to be so challenged by the lyrics of their worship song.
"Give thanks to the Lord. His mercy and lovingkindness endure forever."
When most of us would have thought to open our hymnals and songbooks to songs about victory and overcoming our enemies, when most of us would have thought to release a war cry or at very least a "Jericho shout" - God sent His people out with a song about His mercy and steadfast love. He marched them into battle with hymns of His faithfulness - with eyes not on themselves or even on their enemy, but eyes looking directly up towards Him.
Pure worship will always be to God, about God, and for God.
It will direct our eyes to gaze upon Him - to focus on His character, His love, and His beauty.
It wont be about us.
It wont be about our circumstance.
It will be all about Him.
The victory won that day wasn't won by the sweetness of their voices or the highs and lows of the melody they chose. It was less about their harmonies and more about their hearts - hearts set on obedience...even if what God asked them to do sounded less like a battle plan and more like a choir practice.
As they walked towards the battle field singing the song HE told them to sing - victory came over the enemy...and they never had to lift a sword.
Worship Leaders - can I encourage you to go through your song sets and ask each week:
"Is this about God? For God? To God?"
"Does this direct our eyes on Him, on us, or on our circumstance?"
Look at the lyrics. They matter. Just because it's popular doesn't mean it's Biblical. Pure Worship will lift Him UP!
And fellow followers of Jesus - can I encourage you to adopt a new battle strategy and begin to worship in the midst of whatever battle you might be facing?
Set your gaze on who God is.
Declare who He is.
Celebrate His goodness, His faithfulness, and His mercies - even now, smack dab in the middle of whatever you are facing.
And know what you are singing. Again I repeat: Just because it's popular doesn't mean it's Biblical. Choose songs of praise for your time of worship that direct your eyes upward and not self-ward or at your circumstance. Then watch and see how God will use this time of worship to encourage your heart and strengthen you.
He is worthy to be praised!
