Responding with Worship

As I read through 2 Chronicles this year, I have been blessed to notice the worship pictures that abound in the book. I must admit I haven’t seen them in the same ways before. Over and over, we see the kings of Judah going to God in prayer and worship as they seek to live in a world that offers trouble, conflict, and pain. In 2 Chronicles 20, it is Jehoshaphat we see on his knees. A king once again troubled by war. He faces opposition and persecution, but knows where to turn in times of uncertainty. He stands before the nation and leads them in prayer. Prayer for deliverance. Prayer for faithfulness and trust in God. Prayer that encourages the people to surrender to the will and the work of God. As God answers Jehoshaphat’s request, the king and the people respond by bowing their faces to the ground and worshipping. I love that picture. When God speaks, we pour out our hearts in praise. We lift our voices in song. We bow our heads in surrender and we place our lives, our future, our present moments, and our hearts in to the hands of God. Worship helps us to hear and respond to God in our lives. I want to worship like that.