Worship Through the Battle

2 Chronicles 20:15–30 NLT

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Gathering with friends and family around holiday tables filled with laughter and cheer, dad jokes and burnt dinner rolls…don’t judge. It’s a tradition in our household.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…for some people.

For others, it takes every ounce of strength and courage that you can muster to walk up and knock on the door of that family member and then proceed to spend what seems like an eternity of an afternoon dodging hateful slurs, gossip about the drug addict of the family, judgemental remarks about the wayward child, and that one uncle that gets his kicks off of stirring up the never-ending family drama that would otherwise have been forgotten by now.

For others, the holiday season is a progression of battles through a war that will never come to an end.

But, “This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

— 2 Chron. 20:15b

In the 20th chapter of 2nd Chronicles, King Jehoshaphat receives news that three of the surrounding nations have joined forces to declare war on God’s people. Talk about a holiday to remember. Ever been there?

The remarkable thing that you’ll discover through his story is the secret weapon he carried with him that ultimately led the entire Israelite nation to victory.

Are you ready for the war on your family to come to an end? I think you’ll find the key to victory is surprisingly simple.

Worship.

Before the battle. During the battle. After the battle.

Worship.

King Jehoshaphat profoundly understood the magnificent power of God that we gain access to as we turn our attention toward Him in worship. These are the truths he boldly conveyed to the people of Israel before, during, and after a battle that most feared would end in their demise.

Worship is a War Cry

Verses 18–19
“King Jehoshaphat bowed low with his face to the ground. And all the people of Judah and Jerusalem did the same, worshiping the Lord. Then the Levites stood to praise the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud shout.”

A war cry is a call made to rally soldiers for battle. It’s a gathering of the troops. Before the battle even began, the king led the people in worship.

You might be thinking, “yeah, he’s got an entire army gathered to help him fight this battle. It’s just me, myself, and I here facing my crazy family.”

No, you are not alone. The God of angel armies is on your side. When you worship, you’re gathering warriors in the spiritual realm to go before you in battle.

Worship is your war cry. Before you knock on that door, before the battle begins, gather the troops. Worship.

Worship is a Weapon

Verses 21–24
“…the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising Him for His holy splendor. This is what they sang:

“Give thanks to the Lord; His faithful love endures forever!”

At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves…so when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped.”

As the battle was commencing, King Jehoshaphat knew that worshippers needed to be on the frontline. He even sent them ahead of the soldiers because he understood that worship was the most powerful weapon of all.

And the worshippers marched confidently into the enemy territory, singing and giving thanks to the Lord. A song of gratitude was on their lips even as they faced the battle head on.

Some of us need to remember to maintain an attitude of gratitude as we face our battles this holiday season. When we harbor bitterness, unforgiveness, anger, and hostility toward others, our focus is turned inward instead of Godward.

The worshippers on the frontline knew to keep their focus on the Lord. Should they have turned inward, their backs would have been exposed to the enemy and defeat would have been certain.

Instead, at the very moment they began to worship, the enemy was defeated!

Don’t expose your back to the enemy. Face them head on — with worship as your weapon.

Worship is a Witness

Verses 27–29:
“Then all the men returned to Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat leading them, overjoyed that the Lord had given them victory over their enemies. They marched into Jerusalem to the music of harps, lyres, and trumpets, and they proceeded to the Temple of the Lord.

When all the surrounding kingdoms heard that the Lord himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God came over them.”

As King Jehoshaphat led the Israelites in songs of victory through the streets of Jerusalem, his worship was a witness to the faithfulness of God on their lives; so much so, the surrounding kingdoms could no longer deny the evidence of God and began to fear Him.

Let your worship be your witness.

Let your proclamation of the faithfulness of God be so bold that it will be undeniable to those surrounding you, leading them to salvation.

Let your worship be a witness to other believers too! The Israelites proceeded — in worship — to the Temple of the Lord. Get yourself to church and build the faith of others through the boldness of your worship! And if your personal faith could use some building up of its own, get yourself to church and allow yourself to witness the worship of others!

One of the most beautiful gifts the Lord has given to worship leaders is the opportunity to use their worship as a witness for the people of God. King Jehoshaphat undeniably understood the value of this gift as he led the Israelites in worship before, during, and after the battle.

When you’re losing faith and the battle seems too daunting, let your worship team lead the way on the frontline. Let them call the war cry on your behalf. Let them show you the only weapon you need to defeat the enemy, and let them witness to you about the faithfulness of God through their worship.

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Whatever battle you may be facing this holiday season, worship your way to victory.

At the time of this post, we are in the middle of a pandemic. If you’re unable to attend church in-person due to health risks, I’ve assembled a playlist for you here to allow worship leaders to continue singing over you during this season. There’s even an instrumental to allow time for reflection as you work toward maintaining an attitude of gratitude.

I love you, Church. I’m worshiping with you. Fighting for you. Believing with you for victory.

Verse 30: “So Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.”

Let it be so. In Jesus’ Name.

Author: Ashton Santiago