Phil Wickham Reflects Upon the Impact & Relevance of "Battle Belongs" A Year After Its Release

Worship leader, singer and songwriter Phil Wickham reflects upon the impact and relevance of his hit "Battle Belongs." The song was released on September 4, 2020,as the lead single to his eighth studio album, Hymn of Heaven (2021).

"Battle Belongs," written by Wickham and Brian Johnson, peaked at No. 2 on the US Hot Christian Songs chart. The song also went on to peak at No. 13 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart, thus becoming his highest charting single in his career. "Battle Belongs" received a nomination for the GMA Dove Award Worship Recorded Song of the Year at the 2021 GMA Dove Awards.  

"Almost a year since we released `Battle Belongs,"" Wickham remembers. "So amazing to watch God's plan for this song unfold. I think this song carries more weight for me now than ever. Beyond thankful that we sing to a God who is faithful, and able. We can cast out cares on Him because he cares for us."

In the light of what is happening in Afghanistan, the song takes on a special significance. Wickham explains, "With this song in my heart I lift up our brothers and sisters in Afghanistan and the many who are living in fear. That God's peace and presence would be unquestionably felt, that He would protect and provide for them. Lifting up those who are hurting and displaced in Haiti. Lifting up our country, that we might humble ourselves, turn from sin and seek the face of God. That His justice, grace and mercy would roll through the US like an unstoppable mighty river.

Lifting up the body of Christ, that God would increase faith, and give courage yo His people to run this race with endurance. That we would not forget that we wield the power of the gospel and the word of our testimonies of how God has saved us time and time again. Spirit of the Living God fall afresh on us for such a time as this."

Wickham also tells how the song was birthed. He says, "One of my favorite stories in all of scripture comes from 2 Chronicles 20. It's a story of this huge army that is amassed to come against the people of God. And when the people of God and their king, Jehoshaphat hear this horde coming their way, they freak out. They literally come to God and say, 'We are powerless against this army but our eyes are on you God. Show us what to do.' And God responds to them.

His spirit comes upon this Levite man and through the Levite man God says, 'Do not be afraid or dismayed for the battle is not yours, but it is God's. You will not have to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf.' So much so that instead of sending their army into the front lines, they sent their worshippers into the front lines. The holy men in their robes started singing give thanks to the Lord for His steadfast love endures forever. And you know what happened to the other army as they heard the singing? They freaked out. They were routed. They startred turning on each other to the point where the scriptures say not one of them was left alive. God moved on behalf of His people and God is still moving and battling on behalf of His people."

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