The Mystery of WorshipSample

A word that is combined quite often with worship, and also confused with, is praise. Maybe you have ever visited a Praise & Worship Night, or maybe you are joining the ‘Praise & Worship team at church. I have discovered that these two words are not the same Biblically.

The word “praise” in Hebrew is HAWLAL. According to the Strong’s Concordance (2023) this word literally means ‘to boast out loud about something’.

An example where the word is being used is in 2 Chronicles 20. This Bible scripture will be used more often throughout this reading plan because I believe it has a lot of truth.

Here, we read how Jehoshaphat (former King of Judah in Israel) prepares the war step by step when he hears his country will be attacked. What stands out is the one thing he does multiple times in preparing for war: praise.

Can you imagine? Knowing you are about to be attacked, but the first thing you do is praise and honor God, sing about His goodness, and honor him out loud for what He is worth… in the midst of a war! There are several better things to do in preparation for war: invent tactical plans, train soldiers… Leaders of a country might think twice about this decision.

But no, Jehoshaphat chooses to praise God in the middle of his circumstances. Three times, to be precise! Later, we see the results of this choice:

• You will vanquish your enemies (verse 24);
• You can use the valuable possessions and tools of the enemy (verse 25);
• You will experience joy, admiration for God, and peace on all levels (verse 26).

Wow! Such a beautiful promise. Perhaps you do not live in a literal war, just like me. But maybe you recognize the inner war that can be present in your life.

I would like to encourage you today to praise God in the middle of your inner war, just like Jehosaphat! Keep boasting about how amazing God is, although it might go against your human feelings. The promise? Victory, abundance, joy, and peace. 🪖

Now, is this praise what worship is? Not quite. Discover more in the upcoming days!