We face numerous sources of anxiety each and every day. Whether you are concerned about our world, our country, your health, your loved ones, your job, your purpose, etc., there is one sure way to relieve stress and anxiety.
That way is to worship the Lord.
A posture of worship acknowledges God for who He is. When you worship and honor Him, you take your hands off the issues of life and give Him control. When you worship the Lord even in the midst of tough circumstances, you deepen your relationship with the Lord.
Worship also changes the atmosphere of our hearts, minds, and circumstances as we take our mind off of what is happening around us, and focus on our Creator, Redeemer, and Comforter.
There are amazing benefits to focusing on your relationship with God through worship. Beyond changing the atmosphere, worship causes shifts in the spiritual and natural realm. Worship has the power to change circumstances.
Isaiah 42 gives us a beautiful image of worship and what happens when we acknowledge the Lord and praise Him for who He is.
Sing to the Lord a new song,
Sing His praise from the end of the earth!
You who go down to the sea, and all that is in it.
You islands, and those who dwell on them.
Let the wilderness and its cities lift up their voices,
The settlements where Kedar inhabits.
Let the inhabitants of Sela sing aloud,
Let them shout for joy from the tops of the mountains.
Let them give glory to the Lord
And declare His praise in the coastlands. Isaiah 42:10-12
The next verse is revelatory. It shows that God responds to worship that acknowledges Him and gives honor to what He has done. The act of worship moves God to action on your behalf! Hallelujah!
The Lord will go forth like a warrior,
He will arouse His zeal like a man of war.
He will utter a shout, yes, He will raise a war cry.
He will prevail against His enemies. Isaiah 42:13
Your enemies are God’s enemies and he will not be defeated.
Follow Isaiah’s advice.
- Sing to the Lord.
- Thank Him each day.
- Shout for joy.
- Give God glory.
- Declare God’s praise wherever you are.
By praising and worshipping the Lord, you recognize who He is, strengthen your relationship with Him and you grant Him access, permission, and space to move and work on your behalf.
The Lord will let you do things in your own strength, but He’d rather not. He’d rather flex His muscles and defeat the enemies in your life.
That’s great news my friend! God waits to co-labor with you, to act on your behalf, to clear the way for you to defeat the enemy in your life.
Worship the King and watch what He does on your behalf!
Glory to God!