Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:00 — 4.1MB)
Transformation through Worship
The other day I was experiencing a mild state of feeling depressed. I felt down and blue—the concerns and unknowns of life just started weighing on me. I am someone who likes control and certainty, and on this particular day of feeling out of control and uncertain, I found myself in a slump and I just could not shake it.
Sometimes in an effort to find relief from feeling out of sorts, I binge on reruns of my favorite show, scroll through Facebook and Instagram or reach for food as comfort. But on this particular day, instead of checking out, I tuned in. I put in my earbuds and started to worship. When I worshiped, everything shifted. My mood transformed.
Did you know that you are wired for worship? God in his glory designed us so that worship literally impacts our brains and our minds….and ultimately, our lives. Studies have shown, science has proven, that when we worship, God created us so that neurotransmitters such as dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin are released that induce happiness and joy and boost our immune system. God designed us so that when we worship him, we experience decreases in depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. We experience more joy!
We often wait to worship until we feel like it but we are actually wired to worship. Sometimes the last thing we feel like doing when we are frustrated with work or a difficult co-worker, when we are faced with a job loss, a relationship breakdown or an unknown future—oftentimes the last thing we feel like doing is breaking out in praise. Yet when we stop to worship and praise Jesus for his magnificence, when we praise him and thank him for who he is, our lives transform even if our circumstances don’t change, worship changes us. You are wired for worship. Intentionally offering our worship to God strengthens our faith, helps us in life’s challenges, and unlocks the key to joy no matter what your life circumstance.
Set a praise challenge for yourself. Spend ten minutes a day worshiping God. See what happens. Your life will transform and God is worthy!
If you would like to read the entire week’s message, click here to view/download the PDF.