..::Nehemiah Moms::..

     My husband and I were both raised in a denomination where we typically sat for worship.  We would stand during hymns, and occasionally we would kneel at the communion rail, if we did communion that way.  So when we joined our current church, I was curious about why some people raise their hands during the singing.  I just figured they'd come from different church traditions, or were perhaps more emotional than others, or even that some were drawing attention to themselves.  But over the years I began to feel a heart-yearn to worship this way too.  For several years I just pushed the thought away.  I didn't like the idea of drawing attention, or of looking odd.  But at some point,  I remember asking God, "Is this hand-raising something you like?"  

     I didn't get an immediate answer, but over several months, as I read the Bible, I would notice certain verses, such as, Psalm 63:4 "Thus I will bless you while I live, I will lift up my hands in Your Name."  I had wondered for years how to actually "bless" the Lord.  We're commanded to bless the Lord all throughout the Psalms.  I know how to thank and to praise and to sing and to shout and to kneel.  But how actually does one bless?  This verse answered the question.  "Thus (or this is how) I will bless you: I will lift up my hands in Your name."   I thought, "Ok, I can do this...in my own bedroom!"  I started raising my hands in praise to God when I'd slip away for a few quiet moments with Him.  But then I found this verse too:  Psalm 134:2 "Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord."   Wow!  So it was true.  Raising hands is a biblically appropriate form of worship.  Now I had to deal with my emotions.  My desire to raise my hands in worship grew stronger and stronger.  But it took me probably a year and a half of wrestling with the Lord, "Why am I so concerned about what others think?"  and taking thoughts captive, "Lord, take captive my embarrassment."  or "Lord, I confess that pride is keeping me from worshipping You like this."  I "practiced" at home and continued to pray about it and eventually one day I just swallowed hard and did it.  No one screamed.  In fact no one seemed to care a bit.  God is a patient Father and Teacher.  He graciously allowed me to add this precious and simple expression to my worship repertoire.  Now, the delight of it is amazing.  Not only am I convinced that it is something God likes, but God has given me a great joy in doing it, knowing I'm obeying His word.  I'm hoping my next step doesn't take so long.