You have probably heard this term before: “spiritual warfare.” Maybe you have heard popular Christian speakers and teachers discuss spiritual warfare as a particular way of declaring and proclaiming? (You know, with a particular tone of voice?) Or, maybe as a specific kind of prayer that rebukes malevolent spirits and casts out demons? Or, perhaps, when you think of spiritual warfare your mind immediately turns toward a pious predisposition to slay sin and fight temptation? While all of these notions are fine and good, my guess is that hardly any of us think of song and praise as spiritual warfare.
Psalm 149 however, speaks of song and praise to the Lord as a means to wage war. Not physically of course, but against spiritual powers. This makes sense if you think about it, because singing, since ancient times has been a demonstration of victory—and still is today. Armies often sing on their way towards battle, and the victorious sing on their way home. Singing and victory go hand and hand.
While we do not wage literal war, we do make spiritual war—with our singing, our songs, and our praise. We sing towards the battle that Jesus wins at the cross. And as those who have decided to follow Jesus, we, the victorious, sing on our way home. We sing to Jesus, our Victor; and we sing of Jesus, for all to hear.
So, next time you open your mouth to sing praise —in the car, while cooking dinner, in the shower, or on a Sunday at a gathering—remember: you are engaged in spiritual warfare.
Let the high praises of God be in your throat and two-edged swords in your hands. - Psalm 149:6
— Chaz Holsomback