“I’m no longer a slave of fear, I am a child of God..” The first time I heard that song I was at a Karitos Worship and Arts Mini Conference which took place in Indianapolis. It was one of the songs we were singing during worship and we were singing and dancing. During the interlude one of the members of the praise band on stage said he felt that God wanted to bring healing and asked us to start praying for healing. At the time my daughter was with me and had a sprained ankle. I naturally started praying for her But God had other plans. A few moments later the speaker said He felt someone was going to be healed from Bi Polar. I stopped dead, in shock. I though certainly there is someone else in here suffering from that he’s talking about, but no He was talking about me. I had been diagnosed BI-polar II and was on three different medications for it and still struggled. That was in 2015. Within weeks of the conference I noticed I wasn’t having highs and lows anymore. I still struggled with anxiety but it wasn’t as extreme and panic attacks lessened. Now I’m on one medication at its lowest dose. I don’t have extreme highs and lows and I’ve learned how to manage my anxiety. I believe he healed me that day. I didn’t deserve it. I certainly didn’t ask for it, I thought “this is my life now,” But he healed me because of his grace and mercy.
God created us to worship Him. When we worship him, whether it be by singing worship music, saying praises to him, or even serving Him he will come to meet with us. Ever heard of someone saying “God showed up” that’s what I’m talking about. Worship is a powerful weapon against depression and anxiety. It causes you to take your eyes off your problems and focus on the God who created everything, who is in control. It gives you a sense of peace and assurance despite your current circumstance. It renews hope.
Worshiping God on a regular basis also changed your mindset and your heart. It aids in the transformation that God promises in Romans 12:2′ Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Mark E. Moore in his book Core 52 cites Music and Service, two forms of worship, as one of the four things God gives us to use against cultural influence or the “world”. He says this about music. ” Music bypasses the gatekeeper of the soul. Worship music exhalts God, and we get caught in the upward draft. It lifts us to places we want to be. The heavier your past baggage, the more helium of worship you’ll need to raise you where you want to be. “p288.
That updraft brings us closer to God and closer to what His will is for us and each other. And our mindsets change, we become less selfish, more aware of those around us who need us. More likely to serve which in itself is a form of worship. I can tell you many wonderful stories of healing, repentance and just love that has come out of worship experiences I’ve had. But even if those things aren’t happening in your life worship should still take place. We serve an amazing God and he can transform us if we bring ourselves close to Him. Worship is just another avenue to do that.
2BecomeBrave 