Mighty Weapon

I came across the idea that our deep relationship with the Lord could emanate from and be strengthened by singing our praises, glorifying His greatness or even through acknowledging his Holy presence in silence. This act of complete devotion to God always made sense to me. Even before I started expressing my faith blatantly every Sunday at Feast Greenhills, I find myself weeping each time I pray intently for something. And since joining the Feast, shedding a tear has instantaneously been part of my religious glorification whether through songs of praise or by way of silent prayer. But it was when I witnessed the effect that worship has on darkness in the world that I understood how worship could also be used as a weapon.

Source: harrypotter.wikia.com

"Dementors are among the foulest creatures that walk this earth. They infest the darkest, filthiest places, they glory in decay and despair, they drain peace, hope, and happiness out of the air around them... Get too near a Dementor and every good feeling, every happy memory will be sucked out of you. If it can, the Dementor will feed on you long enough to reduce you to something like itself... soulless and evil. You will be left with nothing but the worst experiences of your life." —Remus Lupin

Everyday we are surrounded by darkness.  We hear, see and get first hand experiences of the cruelty in our world. The feeling of hopelessness, that everything seems to be working against you than for you, struggling to believe that our God is greater than a biting injustice, crippling disease or sickness, or ballooning debts trap us. These difficult times drain our every last drop of faith and trust, like a Dementor in Harry Potter, this worldliness certainly sucks out the joy in us. But we can change this gloomy atmosphere by lifting up the name of Jesus with songs of praise and exalting Him above all things. Think Harry Potter casting a strong corporeal Patronus via a most powerful defensive charm, Patronus Charm (Expecto Patronum), to drive away Dementors.

Source: harrypotter.wikia.com

  
When darkness of doubt fills your atmosphere, let the fountain of praise and worship come out from within you. When chaos is stealing your peace, let your prayer warriors come together in faith-filled adoration. Lift the name of Jesus up high and make this your weapon. Let God arise and see darkness banish as the light of Christ's love fills your heart and the air around you. As followers of Christ, worship is our main weapon against life's problems. When we worship, our problems don't go away, but the threat of evil in our lives through those problems goes away. Worship is the hand of God that destroys all forces greater than you. 

When drama come your way, it is so easy to get carried away and imagine the worst. Our natural response is to sulk, fear, despair and worry. But we are called to focus on the truth of God's character, not on the information in front of us. And the truth is that, no matter how cliche, no problem is stronger or bigger than God. So what weapon do you use to attack your problems? Would you let the Dementor kiss you and draw out your soul? Our job is to seek Him, listen for His direction, and then obey. Sing, raise your hands, dance, jump, clap, shout, play an instrument for Him, hear Mass, pray. Let Him bring you back to life because He will never let you go. 

*This was my reflection on the second edition of the Advancers series (Praise your way to Victory), Weapon Wise held last May 24, 2015 at Feast Greenhills. Please visit www.feastgreenhills.com to know more about the Feast, the happiest place on earth. 

Reflection song: "Back to Life" by Hillsong Young & Free

VERSE Here in my heart You have found Your place Replacing fear with Your freedom You lift me up You lift me up When all seems lost in my brokenness I call Your Name and You answer Held by Your love Held by Your love CHORUS In the night Through the struggle through the trial You have made my burden light You have brought me back to life again VERSE Your love it wipes every tear away You calm the storms that surround me You carry me You carry me Your light breaks through in my darkest hour Your love is strong in my weakness You are enough You are enough PRE-CHORUS You won't let go So I will follow All I am Yours now and forever You won't let go So I will follow With all I am