Praise and worship change the atmosphere

Do you know you can change every atmosphere with the power of worship? Have you ever been depressed or discouraged? How did you cope with the struggle? Did you turn on the radio or start singing with all your heart? The Bible says, “and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair…” (Isaiah 61:3, NIV).  

Worship is not a one-dimensional sound to precede a Bible study—it is a powerful tool for you to change your world. Do you use worship as a tool to create change? Have you ever used it to shift the atmosphere in a room? 

Elisha was once faced with a difficult task. King Jehoram, a wicked king of Israel, was surrounded by enemy armies. He was in a pickle. Outnumbered and overwhelmed, he asked for help from the good king of Judah, Jehoshaphat. Have you ever been in a big mess?

Well, Jehoshaphat did the only thing that could help them overcome insurmountable odds. He sought the help of the great prophet Elisha. Associations do influence your destination. 

Elisha’s response was classic: “‘As surely as the LORD Almighty lives, whom I serve, if I did not have respect for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not pay any attention to you.’” (2 Kings 3:14, NIV) It was obvious that Elisha didn’t like the king of Israel, but he respected Jehoshaphat. So Elisha changed the atmosphere by the power of worship: “‘But now bring me a harpist.’ While the harpist was playing, the hand of the LORD came on Elisha.” (2 Kings 3:15, NIV) Now that’s a great story!

I’ll never forget the day I was battling discouragement. I was a therapist, dad, and husband, and our finances were in the garbage. I was sitting alone in the house at our dining room table. I put my head between my hands and cried. All of a sudden, I had a strong thought come to my mind: put on “a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” (Isaiah 61:3, NIV) It really surprised me because it was so contrary to my emotions. Praise instead of wallowing in my problems? Thank God instead of giving up? It really didn’t make any sense, but I did it anyway…and the heaviness started to leave. I discovered I had a weapon against the depression that had threatened me most of my life. Worship is a weapon for you, too. I’ve often taught people that worship is really a “warship.” You can fight the visible and invisible battles of life with worship. 

Have you ever used praise and worship as weapons? I’m praying your daily moments with God will be filled with spiritual and emotional victories through worship. I pray that you will change the atmosphere in your home, car, and office with the power of praise because you are a miracle.