The other day at church we were singing “Holy Forever” by Chris Tomlin, and as I stood there worshipping… my mind traveled back.
Back to when that song came out — my sister and I were on a trip to Nashville, singing our hearts out… hands raised… but still one hand on the steering wheel. Haha.
I was in a season where I was healing from heartbreak — growing, thriving… not just surviving — and I was in full dependence on God for what He had for my future.
Then My Mind Went to the Upper Room…
I started remembering the times a good friend and I went to the Upper Room in Dallas. We went to worship and cry out to God because we were both in a season of pain and heartache.
I remember on the way home one time we were both singing “I Speak Jesus” at the top of our lungs all the way home.
Then another time we were coming home and we were singing “Homecoming”… and the people passing us on the highway, I’m sure, were thinking: “Are they okay?” 😂
The Days I’d Blast Worship in My Home
There were other times I would blast worship music in my home — singing, crying, praising Him — because I was having a difficult day staying on top of my emotions.
And I noticed something: when I did that, it would change the trajectory of my day.
So I Looked Into the Science…
- Dopamine increases
- Oxytocin increases
- Cortisol decreases
- Vagus nerve activation helps regulate your nervous system
That means worship can literally help shift you from fight or flight into rest and heal. That alone is powerful.
Worship and praise also shifts our attention and redirects our focus to hope and an eternal perspective. It helps interrupt ruminations — those looping thoughts that keep us stuck.
But It’s Not Just Neurochemistry…
From a faith perspective, worship isn’t just a tool. It’s connection.
Worship says: “God is still sovereign.”
Worship says: “You are chosen.”
Worship invites presence — and sometimes presence is the very thing your soul is craving when heartbreak tries to take over.
If You’re Struggling Today… Take a Praise Break
If you find yourself struggling with heartbreak today, stop for a moment. Turn on some worship and praise music and take a praise break.
It will help you heal the place down deep in your soul.