Both worship and praise can be a spiritual weapon. Praise declares who God is and puts us in a place of remembrance of the Lord, which often ties into thankfulness. Worship, however, is the response we have to God, because of who He is. It is an act, like when we get on our knees and declare what the Lord is doing, or has done. Declaring who God is, helps us align our hearts with Him. Then we can ask Him to move in our lives or in someone else’s. This is a very powerful tool.
In Ephesians 5, before it talks about the Armor of God, it makes a distinction between unwise and wise Christians. Reminding us that we live in a fallen world and not to get drunk on wine but be filled with the Spirit addressing one another with Psalms, hymns and singing (Eph. 5:19), giving thanks always.
…addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:19-20
Now, I don’t think we are supposed to act like when are in some awkward musical. But rather we are to the know the scriptures, particularly the Psalms, and always have a song of praise in our hearts. It is having the right heart posture as we go about our day and interact with others.
ASAPH
In 1 Chronicles 25, there were assigned worship leaders for the house of God. The sons of Asaph (included Asaph and his descendants or students) were those who played musical instruments for the people.
David and the chiefs of the service also set apart for the service the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who prophesied with lyres, with harps, and with cymbals. 1 Chronicles 25:1
A lyre is a type of stringed instrument that looks like a little harp. The sons of Asaph prophesied with lyres, harps and cymbals. Isn’t it interesting that worshiping the Lord through instruments, included prophesy? When we are in the presence of God, He can flow through us and tell us things we didn’t know! (Jeremiah 33:3)
Not only does music give revelation but it also can calm a tormented person as we see with King Saul when young David played the lyre for him.
And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him. 1 Samuel 16:23
JAHAZIEL
One of Asaph’s sons, Jahaziel, was filled with the Spirit of the Lord and inspired King Jehoshaphat to worship God before going into a large battle.
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.” And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise Him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the Lord, for His steadfast love endures forever.” And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed. 2 Chronicles 20:20-22
HEZEKIAH
King Hezekiah also knew the importance of praise and worship. After he began to reign in Judah he cleansed the temple. He brought in the priests (Levites) and instructed them to consecrate themselves and the temple. To consecrate is to dedicate something or someone as sacred or holy. Then, Hezekiah restored the temple worship.
And Hezekiah the king and the officials commanded the Levites to sing praises to the Lord with the words of David and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed down and worshiped. 2 Chronicles 29:30
SPIRITUAL REALM
These literal lessons of warfare, and restoring God’s house, can help us as we fight in the spiritual realm. We know that much of what we experience is not in the physical realm but the spiritual.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12
We also know from the New Testament that during times of trouble, singing to God moves things in the Spirit just as when Paul and Silas were in prison.
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. Acts 16:25-26
One amazing thing that happens during praise and worship is that God is glorified. Let us not forget – God the most high is the most important. Let us not get so wrapped up in all the energy and delight of music that forget the whole reason why we love it so much!
DEVIL MUSIC
Music can be used so easily as a manipulation tactic to pull us away from God. Many scholars believe that before Satan fell, he was in charge of music or had been musical in some sense (Ezekiel 28). Then, it should not surprise us that Satan would try to twist worship music. If you notice, we have music playing in our grocery stores, at the pool, in department stores, pretty much everywhere you go. And for the most part they are not Godly songs.
Music originally was intended to be a connection between us and God. Because of that, we should be very careful of music that is not healthy for us to listen to.
He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Psalm 40:2-3
MUSIC OF THE WORLD
I have to admit, I used to be really wrapped up in worldly music. But not all worldly music is healthy to listen to as a Christian. In Exodus 32, Moses was on the mountain with God for 40 days and 40 nights and the people became impatient and combined all their gold to make a golden calf. They basically created their own holiday and began to eat and drink, then they ‘rose up to play’ (Exodus 32:6).
When Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said to Moses, “There is a noise of war in the camp.” But he said, “It is not the sound of shouting for victory, or the sound of the cry of defeat, but the sound of singing that I hear.” Exodus 32:17-18
They were not singing praises to the Lord, but something else all together. Something twisted and corrupt.
You give your mouth free rein for evil, and your tongue frames deceit. Psalm 50:19
DRAW NEAR
Let our praise always be to God. When we praise Him we are turning to Him. This helps us lay down our burdens and be open to the Holy Spirit. It also serves as a witness to others because when we are full of the Holy Spirit, it results in thankfulness, joy and love, which glorifies Jesus.
Sing praises to the Lord, who sits enthroned in Zion! Tell among the peoples His deeds! Psalm 9:11
THE STRUGGLE
I have to confess, I didn’t always love worship and praise. Originally, I didn’t even like it. When I first became a Christian, I frequently came late to service so I could miss the music. I did not understand why people were lifting their hands and being so emotional. God slowly began to reveal to me how healing it was to love Him publicly. My pride kept me from worshiping Him and my insecurity kept me from lifting my hands.
So if you struggle with truly praising and worshiping God, like I did, just remember that this special time is between you and God. He sees everything that we do. When you raise your hand to Him in adoration and love, it brings you closer to Him. He sees you and loves you.
If you have not yet given your heart to Jesus I want to encourage you to begin praying and talking to Him, listen to Godly music that helps you connect with Jesus. Sing praises and worship His holy name and open your heart to hear what He’d like to share with you. And of course, find a local church and be baptized!
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! Psalm 98:4
Worship is an act. When we raise our hands in lament, cry out, rejoice, dance or give our testimony it is an act. We are responding to God’s holiness. Responding to God can move mountains. Here is a quick recap on the positive results of going to battle using praise and worship:
We desperately need to draw near to God in this hour. He will help us in our battles, we need only to come to Him in praise and worship so He can align our hearts with His.
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