Matthew 22:37-38, 2 Chronicles Chapters 17-20

Jeff Cutts

The Bible contains many stories about 'spiritual giants'. We can read about them with the intention of learning about their strengths, weaknesses and the lessons they learned, and learning from those lessons, growing in those strengths ourselves.

Generally it's the miracles, significant moments, bold decisions and actions, major trials and their outcomes that we hear about. Think about the background of these people - their daily lives - we do not hear all the details of eating, sleeping, brushing teeth and putting the bin out - those daily chores. There are glimpses of things however that show why these people grew into 'spiritual giants'.

In our own lives there are those 'major moments' too, but more often than not the day is just one of those ordinary eating, working, sleeping, living days. Important days for being faithful and for living worship.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and mind, and soul and strength.
Matthew 22:37-38

Have you realised that worship is a lifestyle it's not just something we do?

Worship is not just action taken on Sunday mornings, not just the singing of songs, but sometimes we misunderstand this. We put worship in a box (CD case or ipod!) and limit it. Sometimes worship does not involve a song at all.

Worship is a way of life and the songs we sing as 'worship' must be the overflow of a way of life. The heart of worship is the giving not only of our talents and goods, but of our very selves. Worship is a life given to God in all the things we get up to, and this should be our daily pursuit.

One 'spiritual giant' I've looked at recently is King Jehoshaphat; you can read about him in 2 Chronicles Chapters 17-20.

Jehoshaphat was a godly king. The Bible says he looked for the True God and did not worship idols; he was 'deeply committed to the ways of the Lord'. Worshiping the Lord was his daily pursuit and as their king he led the people to turn to God and follow Him. The actions he took as king showed he was giving his very self and making the Lord his focus.

When we come to the story in 2 Chronicles 20 (it's too long to quote here, but do read it!) we find a huge army comes out against Jehoshaphat. Without a miracle all seems lost; many people will die in battle for they are vastly outnumbered. It is out of his character and lifestyle of faithfulness and daily worship that Jehoshaphat calls the people to pray and fast and at the Lord's direction send out the worship team in front of the army. Miraculously, just as God promises them, they do not have to fight that day for the battle was the Lord's!

Just because our situation looks bad or is difficult or things go wrong, does not mean God has left us or we have failed. Our worship response in the midst of difficulty is important though; it shows Father God our faith in Him and humility before Him and it allows us to receive from Him as He works on our behalf.

If you are not in the habit of turning to the Lord first for His answers, or if your 'spiritual' life is saved only for Sunday service then can I encourage you to be mindful of God every day? To love the Lord your God with all your heart, and mind, and soul and strength whether you're at work, rest or having fun?

Then when it comes to the crunch and you feel surrounded on every side you'll find you're in the habit of hanging out with God and you'll be able to say, 'I won't be afraid for the battle is the Lord's!'