Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord. Psalm 134:2
Going to a concert or some sports game, people are quick to raise their hands and shout for joy supporting the performers. No one feels any shame in raising their hands or in the shouting in these events. It is actually expected for people to do these things to the point that those who don’t do it will stand out as different and often wrong. The actions being done are not about self, but about those who are performing or playing.
The psalmist tells the people to lift up their hands in the sanctuary and bless the Lord.
The world is quick to raise hands and nearly worship certain people. They will throw their blessings towards other people in many different ways without thinking twice as to how it makes them look to others. The world is worshipping and blessing self and things of this world, not God.
While the world will stand up and make fools of themselves in raising their hands at a concert or game, many in the church refuse to raise their hands in worship to God. In most churches there are, on average, very few who will raise their hands in times of public worship. This is done out of shame, self-focus and self-righteousness.
Lifting of hands in worship to God is an act of submission towards God. It is surrendering one’s life to God and reaching up towards Him. It is giving God the honor that is due His name.
Jesus humbled Himself by dying on the cross to give every person a chance to be forgiven and given eternal life. Believers can humble themselves in the same way and surrender their lives to God in worship in the public places, giving God praise and blessings openly for all to hear and see.
Regardless of what church you go to, there are times in which you can worship and bless the Lord in those services. Do not allow yourself to be ashamed of raising your hands and openly declaring praises and blessings to God. Allow all the world see and hear you bless the Lord with all of your life. Think about all that God has already done for you and give Him praise and blessings from your heart.
Lift your hands today and bless the Lord.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will not be ashamed at lifting your hands to bless the Lord; that you will shout praises and blessings to God at all times; and that you will honor God with all of your life.
Picture by Nathan Mullet on Unsplash
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