Praise That Breaks Chains: Worship as a Way of Life
Sweet friend, have you ever faced something so big, so overwhelming, that you didn’t even know where to begin? One of those moments that leaves you whispering, “Lord, I don’t know how I’m going to get through this… but I’m choosing to trust You.” If that sounds familiar, you’re in good company. The Bible gives us precious examples of what to do in times just like this—and one of the most powerful is the story of King Jehoshaphat.
In 2 Chronicles 20, we find Jehoshaphat standing before the people of Judah, facing a terrifying situation. A vast army was coming against him—enemy nations that should’ve been long gone. The odds were impossible, and the danger was real. But instead of panicking or trying to figure it out in his own strength, he did something so unexpected…
He worshiped.
He called everyone—men, women, and children—from every town in Judah (a name that means “praise”!) to fast and seek the Lord together. He stood before them and prayed, not with fear, but with faith. He didn’t begin with complaints. He began with the character of God.
“Lord… You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in Your hand…”
Jehoshaphat reminded himself—and everyone listening—of who God is and what He had already done. And then came the beautiful, humble confession:
“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”
That, my friend, is worship. It’s surrender. It’s trust. And in that moment of complete reliance on God, the Lord responded through a man named Jahaziel—whose name fittingly means “God sees.”
The message was simple, yet life-changing:
“Do not be afraid or discouraged… the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
Can you imagine the peace that must have flooded their hearts? God didn’t ask them to fight—He asked them to trust. All they had to do was show up, take their positions, and watch Him move.
As they marched out the next morning, Jehoshaphat didn’t place his strongest soldiers at the front. He put the singers there. The worshipers. The ones who would praise God before the victory ever came.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever.”
And as their voices rose across the wilderness, God moved. The enemy armies turned on each other—and by the time Judah arrived, all that remained was silence… and an abundance of blessing. It took them three days to gather the plunder, and they named that place Berakah—the Valley of Blessing.
Let’s pause for a moment and take in the richness of what God did. Judah, meaning “praise,” walked through the Desert of Tekoa—which means “trumpet blast.” Doesn’t that stir something in your spirit? God led His worshiping people through a desert of trumpet sounds into a battle that they never had to fight. Over and over again in Scripture, we see this: worship and victory go hand in hand.
Think about the fall of Jericho in Joshua 6—where praise and trumpets brought walls crashing down. Or Numbers 10:9, where God instructed His people to sound a trumpet in times of battle so He would remember them and rescue them.
Worship was—and still is—a weapon.
And maybe today, your battle looks a little different. Maybe you’re facing anxiety, heartbreak, or weariness that just won’t lift. Maybe you’re fighting to believe that God still sees you. If so, remember this: you don’t have to fight alone.
Ephesians 6:12 tells us our battle isn’t against people, but against spiritual forces. And our armor? It includes faith, the Word of God—and worship.
Worship re-centers us.
It steadies our hearts.
It welcomes the presence of God.
When we declare His goodness—when we speak of His faithfulness, power, and mercy—we’re reminding ourselves and the enemy of Who is really in charge. And when we reflect on what He’s already done, we’re stirring up hope that He’ll do it again.
David’s words in Psalm 9 are a perfect reminder:
“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”
Worship isn’t just a melody—it’s a posture. It’s our way of saying, “God, I trust You, even when I don’t understand.”
It’s a choice to sing before the chains fall.
To raise our hands while we wait.
To speak life when everything feels heavy.
Jesus told the woman at the well in John 4 that the Father is seeking worshipers who worship in spirit and truth. Not perfection. Not performance. Just real, heartfelt surrender.
So if today finds you in a dry, desert place—don’t be discouraged. God doesn’t need your perfect plan. He’s looking for your praise.
Remember that Desert of Tekoa—the trumpet blast? That’s where victory was found.
Not in battle cries… but in worship songs.
And there’s more. King David gives us another beautiful example. When he brought the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem (read 2 Samuel 6!), he didn’t do it quietly. He celebrated with loud music, dancing, and joyful worship. He wasn’t worried about what people thought—he was focused on honoring God. And when his wife, Michal, mocked him for being “undignified,” David simply replied:
“It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes.”
Worship will cost us something—our pride, our comfort, our reputation. But if it costs us nothing, it likely changes nothing.
True worship is active. It moves. It lifts. It stirs. And it invites God’s presence into every space we occupy.
Be a worshiper, friend. Not because life is easy—but because God is good.
And if you’ve lost your song? Start small. Whisper a thank You. Open your hands. Let the tears fall. He’s not looking for perfect notes—He’s listening for a surrendered heart.
Let worship fill your home.
Let it spill into your parenting, your conversations, your everyday life.
Because praise still brings victory and shakes prison walls.
Just look at Paul and Silas in Acts 16. Beaten and bound in the depths of a prison, they lifted their voices in praise at midnight. And God responded. The earth shook. The chains broke. And not just theirs—everyone’s.
Worship doesn’t just change your heart—it changes the atmosphere.
So, whether you’re on the mountain or deep in the valley, worship anyway. Whether your prayers have been answered or you’re still waiting, worship anyway. Whether you feel strong or barely hanging on… worship anyway.
Because God is worthy.
And praise is your weapon.
Let nothing steal your song.
Father in Heaven,
I lift up every heart that is walking through a battle right now. You see them, Lord—you know every detail, every tear, every silent prayer. I ask that You gently remind them that they don’t have to fight for victory because You’ve already won the battle on their behalf. Help them to rest in that truth and even begin to rejoice, knowing You are working all things together for their good.
Wrap them in Your peace, Lord, and assure them that You are still in control. Remind them of Your deep love and desire to walk with them through this season. Give them the strength they need—not just to endure, but to grow stronger and closer to You through it all.
May this time not be wasted, but become a testimony of Your faithfulness. Let them look back one day with gratitude, seeing how far You’ve brought them and all that You’ve taught them. And Father, use their journey to encourage others. Make them a light for those who are facing storms of their own.
Pour out Your blessings over their lives. Cover them in Your grace, and surround them with Your favor.
I ask all of this in the holy, powerful, and precious name of Jesus.
Amen.
Add comment
Comments
What a beautiful message and on time message. I really needed this this morning. I’m so happy to be part of a group that loves the Lord and isn’t afraid to worship him boldly. I pray God will give me the attitude of praise even on bad days God bless you all.
❤️