Surrender

“So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.” Psalms 63:4 ESV 

Lifting hands is a Biblical expression of worship. Lifting hands in worship is not just an outward expression, it’s a response that reflects a heart that’s filled with praise. I remember the first time I lifted my hands in a worship service. It seemed awkward at first but resulted in greater freedom in my life. The presence of God I experienced in that moment impacted my life bringing a greater intensity and passion to my worship experience.

The Hebrew word YADAH is a word for praise with the root meaning, “the extended hand, to throw out the hand; hence, to worship with extended hand.” It means to praise by raising and extending our hands unashamedly unto God.

Another Hebrew word for praise is TOWDAH which comes from the same principal root word as “Yadah” but is used more specifically as an extension of the hand in adoration, avowal, or acceptance.” It is also used elsewhere in the Psalms for thanking God for things not yet received as well as things already at hand.

If we are not free to express our worship to God than we are not free, we are still bound in tradition and pride. Lifting hands is a physical expression of worship that demonstrates surrender and submission to God. When being apprehended by law enforcement we are asked to lift up our hands in surrender. In worship we lift our hands willing not forcibly. “Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven.” Lamentations 3:41 ESV. 

TODAY’S PRAYER

Heavenly Father, We pray for a greater freedom in our worship; that you set us free from reserved, dry, mundane, or common place worship. Let us worship unashamed, with a greater passion and zeal. “I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling.” 1 Timothy 2:8 ESV

God bless,

Pastor Matt