7.27.8 "THIS is what Worship is All About"

"THIS is what Worship is All About"

2 Chronicles 19:1-20:37
Romans 10:13-11:12
Psalm 21:1-13
Proverbs 20:4-6

If you were to ask individuals to define worship, you'd get a wide variety of responses. You would probably get many responses that would have to do with music and songs. If you've been through any DREAM training classes, you'd say, worship is "obedience". While these are elements of worship, they don't really 'define' worship.

Worship is our response to the revelation of God. We can respond in song, shouts of praise, clapping hands, etc. The "highest" form of worship is obedience, but all of it is our response to acknowledging God.

One of the best illustrations of the pattern for a lifestyle of worship can be found in 2 Chronicles 20. Take the time to read this chapter. This is a story about King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah. Jehoshaphat was a good king who had made a few poor decisions, but he tried to be faithful to God. In chapter 20, armies were gathering to attack Israel. 20:3 says, "Jehoshaphat was badly shaken by this news and determined to beg for help from the Lord." He then declared a fast for the people, and they waited to hear from God. They cried out to him and Jehoshaphat declared in verse 12 "We don't know what to do, but we are looking to you."

God then gave his answer to them. In verse 15, ""the Lord says,'Don't be afraid! Don't be paralyzed by this mighty army! For the battle is not yours, but God's!" His instruction said in 20:17, "But you will not need to fight! Take your places; stand quietly and see the incredible rescue operation God will perform for you..."

In verse 18-19 "Jehoshaphat fell to the ground with his face to the earth, and all the people did the same, worshiping the Lord. Then the Levites... stood to praise the Lord God of Israel with songs of praise that rang out strong and clear." They praised God for giving them instruction.

Then they went into battle in verse 21, "...he determined that there should be a choir leading the march... singing the song 'His Lovingkindness is Forever' as they walked along praising and thanking the Lord!"

In verse 22, "And at the moment they began to sing and to praise..." the enemy armies began to destroy one another. Verse 26 says "And how they praised the Lord!" (for those old enough to remember the Little Rascals... "And How!" :)

Then they went back to Jerusalem and REALLY had Church!

So how does that apply to you? What is the pattern for worship found here?

1. Troubles will come!
2. Determine in your heart to seek God
3. Acknowledge you are helpless, "I don't know what to do but my eyes are on you!"
4. Wait for an answer (EXPECTING an answer is key to this, as is WAITING till you get it!)
5. Praise God for the answer he gives you.
6. Walk in obedience with a heart of praise leading the way!
7. Rejoice in the victory he brings.

Imagine what church would be like Sunday morning if this was the pattern of God's people all the time! We probably wouldn't hear "I didn't get much out of worship today..." We'd be having a great stompin' on the devil party!

Try to apply these principles to your life and to the struggles that come. Then share your testimony! Verse 29 says, "And as had happened before, when the surrounding kingdoms heard that the Lord himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God fell upon them." Your testimony will make a difference!

"Accept our praise, O Lord, for all your glorious power. We will write songs to celebrate your mighty acts!" Psalm 21:13



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ