There was a time years ago when I didn’t lift up my hands to praise the Lord. I didn’t see others in my church doing it and I simply didn’t think that much about it. And when I did see someone doing it, I thought it was pretty “out there.”

But, as I continued to study God’s Word, I began to take notice of how many times the raising of hands was mentioned in worship!

Hmmm…maybe raising our hands in worship wasn’t so weird after all! But, I still couldn’t bring myself to do it. What would people think?  

And then one Sunday morning, it happened. I felt the presence of the Lord and I felt HIS desire for me to raise my hands up high in the air as if reaching up to Him. I felt that in a way I was surrendering MY comfort and beginning a path of obedience to His direction.  

It was as if this one step of turning my eyes toward Him and turning my eyes away from what others would think, opened the door for me to be able to worship God more deeply and more freely. 

Now, I know the freedom of letting my heart for the Lord pour out in many different ways – not just with my words. Raising my hands, clapping, shouting, dancing, bowing, kneeling, and laying with my face to the ground are all ways that show more fully what I am feeling as I draw near to the Lord. 

Dearest Brothers and Sisters, have you stepped out and allowed yourself to worship the King of kings in a new way? Have you felt sometimes the urge to lift your hands, but didn’t because of those around you?

My challenge to you today is if you are ready to step out of your comfort zone – close your eyes, reach up to grab the hands of Almighty God, and let your praise flow out freely, unhindered, no holding back.  Give it a try!

“Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord.” (Psalm‬ ‭134:2‬ ‭NIV‬)

“Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.” (Nehemiah‬ ‭8:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬)