From one sister to another, this Friday morning — have you got your praise on? Have you taken a few moments to sing — at least in your heart, if not out loud — a love song to Jesus?
It’s one of the most powerful weapons we have against worry and fear.
There’s something about praise and worship that lift our hearts to God and draw His heart to ours. The Scripture tells us that “God inhabits the praises of His people” (Psalm 22:3 KJV) We experience His presence in an incredible, almost indescribable way when we worship Him.
And when do we need His presence more, than when we feel anxious, worried, or afraid?
When King Saul was tormented by an evil spirit, David would come and play his harp for him, play the psalms of praise and worship he had been composing in the pasture as he watched over his sheep. The anger, fear, confusion, and paranoia that had filled Saul’s heart began to dissipate. “Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.” (1 Samuel 16:23)
I know when my own spirit is under attack, if I sing songs about the blood of Jesus that was shed for me, and the victory that He won on Calvary – if I put praise and worship music on in the house or the car or my ipod, the atmosphere instantly changes. For me, it’s a good thing – but for the enemy, it becomes extremely uncomfortable and unpleasant – and he leaves!
It’s one reason Ephesians 5:19 urges us, “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.” And Hebrews 13:15 describes a “sacrifice of praise” as a precious gift to be laid on the altar of God.
In What Women Should Know About Facing Fear, I suggested creating playlists of your favorite songs — a “Facing Fear” mix, if you will. And I shared fifteen or twenty of my own favorite songs of comfort and peace. Gentle songs. Soothing songs.
Today I’ll share a few “battle cry” worship songs — songs you may already have on dusty cassettes or CDs, songs you can find on iTunes. (The links below take you to YouTube versions.) Some of them start slow, but build to a mighty roar!
1. Great is the Lord Almighty ~ Dennis Jernigan
2. Ancient of Days ~ Ron Kenoly
3. Victory Chant ~ Integrity Music
4. The Days of Elijah ~ Robin Mark
5. Jericho: The Shout of Victory ~ Carman
6. Shout to the Lord ~ Darlene Zschech
7. Jesus, All For Jesus ~ Sheila Walsh || Robin Mark version here.
8. In Christ Alone ~ Keith and Kristyn Getty
9. A Mighty Fortress is Our God ~ Steve Green
10. Jesus, Your Name ~ Morris Chapman
11. The Hallelujah Chorus ~ Handel
What songs would you add to the list?
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
You may remember that at the beginning of the year, I shared my heart to post here three times a week on what it means to live fearlessly. Well, one thing it means is to not be afraid to admit when you’ve taken on too much! :)
The good news is that after some lengthy conversations with my publisher, we’ve finally settled on a topic / title for the next book in the What Women Should Know series! The more challenging news is that I have an April deadline….
So despite my best-laid plans and earnest intentions, I’m going to have to cut back to posting once or twice a week — at least until I get my manuscript finished. But I will still be here every week — and on Facebook and Pinterest and Twitter. Let’s stay connected!
I’d be so grateful for your prayers as I get to work on this new book….
Love to you,
Christin
