God—you’re my God! I can’t get enough of you! I’ve worked up such hunger and thirst for God, traveling across dry and weary deserts. So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open, drinking in your strength and glory. In your generous love I am really living at last! My lips brim praises like fountains. I bless you every time I take a breath; My arms wave like banners of praise to you. I eat my fill of prime rib and gravy; I smack my lips. It’s time to shout praises!
Psalms 63:1-5 MSG
Many years ago, I heard Norvel Hayes say, “God moves according to atmospheres.” In my experience, there is a lot of truth to that statement. It’s so grand to step into a service where the atmosphere is charged with love and expectation. As a minister, I have learned a few things that I can do to change the atmosphere in a service. A little humility, a personal story, eye contact with the people, prayer, a simple worship chorus, etc.
You don’t have to be in the pulpit to impact the atmosphere in your service. Get your heart right before you go. Repent of bitterness toward others in the congregation. Ask the Lord to teach you something today, and to change you in some way. When you arrive, seek out 5 people you don’t see regularly and love on them a little bit: shake a hand, hug a neck, and actually listen to them like you care. When the service starts, turn your heart to God and worship like Jesus is really alive. When the Pastor takes the pulpit, pull out your Bible and lean into the message as if he is really speaking as the oracles of God: Can I get an “Amen!” somebody.
You can make an eternal difference today. Attitudes change atmospheres.
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