“The Lord says, ‘Shout and rejoice, O beautiful Jerusalem, for I am coming to live among you.’” Zechariah 2:10 (NLT)
As a pastor’s daughter, I was raised in a faith-filled home. I observed my father and mother reading God’ s Word and praying together daily. Almost everyday my mother would cook and bake in the kitchen, singing along with the praise and worship music playing in the background.
What I didn’t realize back then was that these were more than just simple acts of devotion and love for God. My parents had literally created an atmosphere for God to be present within our home.
When God isn’t present in our homes and our everyday lives, families are easily destroyed and broken down. Our praise and worship to God is a weapon we can use to tear down the strongholds that are affecting the unity and sanctification of our families.
The Word of God says that when we worship Him, He inhabits our surroundings. Think about when Paul and Silas were thrown in prison (Acts 16:23-26). They prayed and sang to God, despite their circumstances. Suddenly, there was an earthquake, and the prison doors flew open! All the prisoners were set free!
Something special happens when God’s people worship together, including families. It is an acknowledgement that God is supreme, and that He is in control. It’s a reflection of hearts that are fully surrendered to God and humbled to do His will. Worshipping God says, “Come into every part of our lives and make us more like You.”
Father God, I surrender myself to You. Make my heart a heart after Your will and Your desires. Make me bold by Your Spirit to do the things that You have called me to do. Come dwell and abide in my home and the hearts of everyone who lives here. Bring us together by Your Spirit and unite us. Heal the areas that are broken within my family, Lord, and where there has been discord and strife, bring unity and peace. Amen.
Take Action
This week, set out to worship God within your home. Playing praise and worship music is a simple yet powerful way to welcome God’s presence — His peace, joy, and all of who He is — into your home. Doing this on a daily basis truly changes things: when God is invited into your life, He always shows up, and it’s always good.