How Praise Changes the Atmosphere

The sun was still asleep.

I had to take my husband, Jeff, to the airport at 5:45 a.m., so even this early bird couldn’t have an appropriate quiet time with God. I read a quick Psalm, didn’t do my usual praise song before I read, and did not have a chance to pray.

When we got into the car, Jeff plugged in his phone and his playlist of old 70’s tunes. I was not ready to start my morning off with Led Zeppelin or Journey but then he said, “Hold on a minute” and fast-forwarded to a string of songs penned by our worship band at church.

“Surprised?” he asked.

“Yes, a little, but thankful.”

As we traveled to the airport, with praise music as a backdrop, we prayed for my husband’s journey, a difficult one as he will be helping his sister and ailing husband drive from Sarasota, Florida to Indianapolis, where our brother-in-law will be evaluated for a lung transplant.

As I left the airport, I continued in a spirit of prayer and praise, when I thought, Maybe I’ll stop and pick up some donuts for the kids. Both boys and my oldest son’s girlfriend are still in town for the holiday. When I walked into the donut shop, I was nearly knocked over by the one of my favorite praise songs, “Hosanna,” sung by artist Kari Jobe. Should I get chocolate glazed, blueberry, raspberry filled…? I could hardly concentrate on the selection because the music affected the atmosphere in that little shop. It saturated every fiber of my being and made a simple task like buying donuts— a worship experience.

When we lift up our praises to God, it makes a difference. It can transform the environment in our home, in a place of business like a little donut shop, or in our cars. Years ago, when I was down about our move to North Texas, I used to play praise music in my bathroom as I got ready for the day. Taking the focus off my problem and onto God immediately lifted my spirit. The worship songs invited the presence of the Lord into my house, leaving no room for depressed thoughts.

In Psalm 100:1–2, the Bible says, “Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” The Psalm adds, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name” (Psalm 100:4).

As we close out the Thanksgiving holidays, won’t you thank God for his faithfulness to you, in good seasons and in bad? Will you praise him for your family, a roof over your head, and for food in your refrigerator?

Here’s a promise. When you sing praises to God, the atmosphere around you will change. (LBW)