Lift Up Your Hands

Lift up holy hands in prayer, and praise the Lord. Psalm 134:2 NIV

My daughter just returned from camp. As she was sharing all the details of the week she mentioned she was blown away by the evening worship gatherings. She said everyone was singing their hearts out, hands raised to God, and everyone was totally in to praising God. Oh how I wish I could have been there?!

I know we can praise God anywhere, anytime, and anyway we prefer. We can praise Him standing, sitting, laying down, eyes open, eyes closed, hands clasped together or hands raised. The list goes on and on, as God beckons our praise 24/7.

I think why my daughter was touched by all the hands raised and why I am moved when I see people worship in that position is that it symbolizes a surrendered heart. One that says, Yes, Lord it’s all about You. I give up. I give myself to You. Here I am.

Today, think about your favorite way to worship the Lord. Can you share? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

My friend, throw your hands up, surrender to God, and praise Him today.

Celebrate!

“Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in Him!” Philippians 4:4 MSG

Celebrate God everyday!

That is a thought that comes so easy for me today. You know, today – the day that everything went right, the day where no one criticized me or even the day where my children and husband were happy and healthy.

But what about those days, most days, where things don’t fall so perfectly into place? The days when bills need to be paid and the cash is short, the days I’m ill and others are counting on me, the moments I’m frustrated and others seem so quickly to put me down or the days I’m just tired and the children still need help with their homework.

Even then, celebrate! Everyday means; everyday, every hour, every minute, every moment. Most moments aren’t perfect and praise doesn’t come so easily. Yet, I’m to train myself to celebrate, praise, and adore Christ at every moment.

Begin your day with a prayer of celebration, whether you feel like it or not. Don’t let your circumstance rule over your celebration time. Celebrating God brightens even the gloomiest of moments.

Yes, celebrate and revel in Him!