Have you ever considered the fact that your worship of God might effect things in the unseen world?
We know through the scriptures that there is an unseen battle raging in the heavenlies, but have you ever considered that what you do on earth might effect that battle?
Jack Hayford, the great pastor and worship leader, has this to say on the subject, “Worship in a very real sense of the word, opens a doorway to the power of His presence, confounding dark powers and overthrowing sin’s destructive operations.” In other words, when we worship the King, His kingdom comes in that place and in our hearts and the enemy must flee. I believe one can become overly fascinated with the ‘unseen world’, but as Christians it is important to be aware of the fact that there is an unseen battle taking place and that there are spiritual ramifications to our actions and inactions.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Through the grace of God we have the opportunity to take part in the epic story of the redemption of the world. When we pray, surrender our lives and worship Jesus, we take part in the reclamation of creation and God’s kingdom coming on earth as it is in heaven.
Your worship is not some meaningless act or song that you sing, but an act of redemption that resounds throughout the seen and unseen world. So declare God’s praises to the heavenlies. Sing with a heart full of worship to the Great Redeemer. Ask that His kingdom will come and His will be done in your city and in your life and take your part in the story of God’s redemption of the world.
“No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.” Revelation 22:3-5
I believe that God does powerful things when we worship Him from our hearts. On a personal level, I regularly experience healing and sanctification of my heart as well as strengthening and encouragement as I worship Him. In addition, especially when we are singing about Jesus as the King of Glory and proclaiming His reign,I sense that we are to open the gates of our region to Him (and I do this as I worship) and that this kind of worship and declaration in the Spirit is paving the way for a greater and more tangible manifestation of Jesus in our region. Thanks for this exhortation.