Hands in the Air

Sunday, is a day of rest. What better time to think about life’s questions than on a day of rest. This past weekend at our wonderful hall of fellowship the topic of worship was brought to center stage.

What is worship? When I think of worship in a church setting, I think of song and some of these very dramatic songs that are labeled worship songs. I think a more accurate definition would be declaring that God is God and I am not and admitting that we continually need Him. And how about noticing and recognizing who He is and His beauty. What is cool to know is that worship is so much more than music at church. But I value our time of worship at church but often don’t outwardly show that I am worshiping unless it is a song that I really like and is more my style. And don’t even think about me raising my hands to worship, that is so uncomfortable, but at times I kind of want to. It is a mixed feeling kind of thing. So I thought about this last Sunday and came to the conclusion that I don’t even lift my hands in worship when I am alone with no one else watching.

I believe a good amount of people feel this way, especially guys. So when might we feel comfortable lifting our hands as high as we can in the air to worship? Let me add that I think it has much to do with the condition of our and it should not matter how is around but have we ever done it when we are alone. I think the answer for the majority of us is no.

I would like to attempt to paint a picture for you. Pretend for a minute that you have the opportunity to take some time away from our currently busy lives to do some day hikes at a near by national park. You take the necessary items carried in a backpack. You bring some water, a few snacks, a coat, and if you are feeling that tug maybe your bible. Oh, and fellows, don’t forget to bring your Swiss Army Knife. You plan to start early in the morning down a trail that will take you a few miles through some beautiful scenery, like thick forests with moist green trees, or a more desert lands like the Badlands where the God’s beauty is seen in all the colors and shades in the rock formations. Or it might be that you are fortunate enough to hike through the majestic mountains that never fail to amaze. After some time marching through nature, feeling as though you were made to be present in this setting, you come to a clearing in the trees or a cliff over looking a sparkling lake as the sun has just begun to come over the trees. Here you find your self in awe of GOD’s beauty. And it is not just because of what you have just seen but a combination of your relationship with Him and what you have gone through in your life the last few months. I find that this would be a time, when I am all alone, that I would lift my hands in the air as high as I could and praise God for this freedom and being in His presence.

I have often dreamed of standing at the top of a hill here in the Missouri River Valley of North Dakota, overlooking an extravagant scene of beauty that God has created in front of me. And with my arms as high and wide as I can get them I am melting in God’s arms as I listen to a song from Skillet containing the words, “I rest in the shelter of Your Love!”

This is what I long for even now in my heart. I need this. I encourage you this day to keep on lifting your hands if you have been, but if you are one like me, find a time when you can lift your hands when you are alone. Worship our God with all your heart, soul, and mind. Who knows? We might even become so comfortable doing it alone that you will see us do it at church.

God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth. John 4:24

-Matt