Festival in the Desert: 7 Days of Hope in the Hard TimesSample

Worship is a Weapon It has been scientifically proven that gratitude has incredibly positive effects on your brain and overall health. These benefits include better immunity, improved sleep, reduced stress and anxiety, and chronic pain and disease. When I was in some of my lowest moments, I remembered the Psalms and began to study them and see how David was able to pour out His heart before God, both in the depths of his despair and in the moments of incredible joy. I realized that even when David cried out with sorrowful words and prayers, he always followed up with worship and praise. Reading chapter after chapter, verse after verse, I came to the very big revelation that God isn't afraid of our emotions. He is big enough to handle all of them, and because He can handle them all, He is worthy of all the worship and praise. I had to commit to being like David, praising and worshipping God in all circumstances. It’s not only a command in Scripture but one of the most powerful choices we can make as followers of Christ. Why? Because we are choosing to keep King Jesus on the throne of our hearts, no matter what circumstance we face. This is not only His Will but also the way in which we experience His Grace, Mercy, Miracles, and Peace that surpasses our understanding. Our circumstances don’t change who God is or what He’s done in sending Jesus to Pay it All. Our circumstances don’t rewrite the Character of God as All-Loving, All-Powerful, fully Sovereign, completely Holy, and Worthy of our praise. Just because something is presented as fact doesn’t mean it’s the ultimate truth. David knew this. He understood that every circumstance he faced would have to bend to the Authority of God and His Perfect Will. This made him a man after God’s own Heart. One of the ways God began to break me free from depression and anxiety was to call me to praise and worship. To lift my eyes off my problems, the pains, the trials and fix them on Jesus. To begin to choose to cast my cares on Him and take on His burden and yoke. I could take my joy back by thanking Him for everything I DID have, not constantly reminding Him of everything I didn’t. My circumstances didn’t change immediately, but I began to. I began to have more hope, expectancy, and even trust. I declared that my situation was different and started speaking God’s Truth, His Scripture, over myself and proclaimed His Goodness. I was beginning to wage war through my worship and let God fight my battles for me. My battle cry against the many things weighing on me was my praise, and the more I chose this posture of worship, praise, and reverential awe, the more I began to see God’s Sovereign Hand at work in my life. Let your worship be a weapon and your praise a battle cry in this season, and watch God move mountains and slay giants for you. Power Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Power Thought: Worship is a powerful way to connect with God, regardless of our circumstances. It places Him on the Throne above our worries and allows us to exchange our anxiety for His Peace and our striving for His Power. Reasons to Rejoice: Our worship can transform our perspective and draw us closer to God. Prayer Prompt: Father, thank You for allowing me to worship You and have access to Your Throne. May I learn to be a worshipper more than a worrier and to trust You in every circumstance as I look to You as my True Source of joy, strength, peace, and safety. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Opportunity for Reflection: How can you incorporate worship into your daily life, even during challenging times?