Recap:
Our word for the year is Rooted. And we’ve been on a journey through Scripture asking: what does it mean to be rooted in God?
We’ve explored how:
- God is bigger than we can imagine,
- Humanity is both sacred and sinful,
- Covenant was part of God’s original plan,
- Through Incarnation, God became human to save us,
- Jesus is King, and He launched His Kingdom here on earth,
- That Kingdom is fueled by grace, received and extended.
All of this has been laying a foundation. But now, we’re making a shift.
This isn’t just theology up in the clouds, this is going to hit where you live. Over the next few months, we’ll be talking about real-life issues and how God meets us right there, in our everyday struggles.
But first, we have to talk about worship.
Ephesians 5 says:
“Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs… and give thanks to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Paul isn’t just warning about alcohol, he’s calling out our desire to escape. Whether it’s wine, weed, or a scroll through social media, we often numb ourselves to avoid the pain. But Paul says, God has something better.
Instead of escaping, be filled. Instead of numbing, worship.
Worship isn’t hype. It’s healing.
Worship isn’t about a Sunday setlist. It’s about being rooted in truth, presence, and strength.
Personal Testimony
I know this deeply because I’ve lived it.
When I was 13 or 14, my family fell apart. My parents divorced, and my mom was left raising four kids on her own. I was angry, overwhelmed, confused. One day I punched a hole in the wall, I didn’t even know I had that much anger inside.
But instead of condemning me, a youth pastor came alongside me. He didn’t say much about the hole in the wall, what he did instead was life-changing. He taught me how to worship.
He put me in a room, turned on worship music, and told me: “Close your eyes. Listen. Let the words become your prayer.”
At first, nothing happened. But as I kept showing up, week after week, God’s presence began to meet me. The rage started to fade. The weight began to lift. I saw things differently. Worship saved my life.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20 – Jehoshaphat
In 2 Chronicles, we meet King Jehoshaphat, facing three massive armies and certain defeat. It says:
“Jehoshaphat was terrified and begged the Lord for guidance.”
I love that. The Bible doesn’t sugarcoat it. He was terrified, just like many of us are.
But he didn’t stay there. He worshiped. He declared,
“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”
And here’s the miracle: Jehoshaphat put the worship team at the front of the army.
Not the warriors. The worshipers. And it says,
“At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the enemy armies to turn on each other.”
At. That. Very. Moment.
Three Anchors of Worship
- Worship roots you in truth.
When everything in life screams fear, worship reminds you that God is bigger. Singing truth rewires your thinking. It re-centers your soul. - Worship roots you in God’s presence.
Scripture says God is enthroned on the praises of His people. When you worship, God shows up. Whether you feel it or not, He’s near. - Worship roots you in strength.
It gives you something to stand on when the storm hits. You may still have questions. You may still face loss. But when you’re rooted, you won’t be shaken.
Zephaniah 3:17
“The Lord your God is with you… He rejoices over you with singing.”
Did you catch that?
When you worship, you’re not singing to God, you’re singing with Him. You’re not alone. He joins in. He calms your fears. And He surrounds you with strength.
Final Challenge
So here’s my challenge to you today:
Will you bet your life on worship?
Will you trust God enough to make worship your first weapon, not your last resort?
In the middle of the anxiety, the bills, the family issues, the loneliness, will you lift your voice?
Worship isn’t a response to how you feel. It’s a declaration of who God is.
Root yourself in worship and just see what God might do.
Group Questions:
Icebreaker Questions
- What’s a worship song that has meant a lot to you recently—and why?
- If your week had a soundtrack, what kind of music would be on it?
- Have you ever had a moment where a song (worship or not) completely changed your mood or perspective?
Scripture to Read Aloud
- Ephesians 5:18–20
- 2 Chronicles 20:1–22
- Zephaniah 3:17
Discussion Questions
1. Foundations
- This sermon series has explored what it means to be Rooted in God. Which of the truths shared (God is bigger, sacred/sinful, covenant, incarnation, kingdom, grace) has challenged or encouraged you the most this year?
2. Escaping vs. Engaging
- Paul contrasts being “drunk with wine” with being “filled with the Spirit.” In our modern world, what are some common ways people try to escape pain or stress?
- What does it look like to engage with God through worship rather than escape from life’s pressures?
3. Worship That Transforms
- The youth pastor helped the speaker experience worship as a pathway to healing. Have you ever experienced God’s presence through worship in a way that changed your mindset or emotions?
- Why do you think worship is so powerful in those moments?
4. Jehoshaphat’s Story
- Jehoshaphat put the worship team in front of the army. What does that teach us about the power and priority of worship?
- The phrase “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You” is honest and humble. Have you ever prayed that kind of prayer?
5. The Three Anchors
- Worship roots us in truth
- Worship roots us in presence
- Worship roots us in strength
- Which of these three do you need the most in this season of life—and why?
- How might you begin building a rhythm of worship that helps you become more rooted?
Personal Reflection / Challenge
- What’s one practical way you can make worship your first weapon, not your last resort, this week?
Take a moment of silence. Ask God: Where do You want to meet me in worship this week?