I’ve just been reading 2 Chronicles 20 v 13 – 22. Responding to prophetic direction, from Jahaziel, the King organises a battle formation with a big difference – it has a worship band at the front!

Those he appoints then advance toward the enemy praising God for “the splendour of his holiness” and giving thanks to Him. As they advance “The LORD set ambushes for the enemy” – I’ve no idea what that looked like!! – But they defeated the enemy, and have gone down in history!

When in trouble we often do anything but worship, and turn to anyone but God! – Here, then , is an alternative response and also a great example of the power of corporate worship.

We can, one day, ask Paul and Silas for a similar New Testament testimony of the in-breaking of God’s power as they praised God. (See Acts 16 v 16… esp’ v 25ff)

Paul says “the weapons we fight with are not weapons of this world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds” (1Cor10v4) I believe truth filled worship, in the Holy Spirit, is a powerful weapon.

Worshipping in spirit and truth has God’s power to break down strongholds of wrong thinking, which the enemy uses to hold individuals back.

The truth about God – who he is and what he has done is a great weapon to set people free, remind them they are adopted, beloved sons of a heavenly Father. This brings new life and engenders faith.

The name of Jesus and his wonderful character has power since God has given him “the name above every name” – every knee must bow! The blood of Jesus cleanses us from our sin, guilt and shame, and as we sing about it we are enabled to resist accusation and know we are righteous by his grace.

Knowing the wonderful presence of the Holy Spirit, as we enter into adoration and experience the wonder of him actually being with us, strengthens us for life and defeats an enemy who wants us to believe we are on our own…..

The content of our songs is important since worshipping in truth powerfully reminds us of who He is and who we are.

Leaders, like Jehosaphat, can set the example of being those who first “bow down and worship before the Lord” (v18) It is a wonderful relationship, not a method or a formality!

God loves to then come – to save, to heal, to set free, to set ambushes, to break folk out of prison … Honouring and enjoying the person and presence of God is the destination of worshippers. Worship is powerful, because God is!