God Notions

Psalm 63:2-5 

I have seen you in the sanctuary
    and beheld your power and your glory.
Because your love is better than life,
    my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live,
    and in your name I will lift up my hands.
I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;
    with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

I have been struggling at church with a few things lately. One is the raising of my hands in worship. My heart would surrender but my fear kept me reined in. Often when singing, our praise of God becomes so worshipful. My heart overflows with gratitude, my spirit becomes restless, compelled to reach out in full abandoned surrender to the One I owe and love so much, like a child reunited with their parent.

But there I stand held by fear, or is it pride? Am I being disobedient to the prompting of the Holy Spirit?

Christians are called to gather together as one body to worship and praise God. Jesus calls us to be a light in this world, to be what makes a difference where we are. We struggle daily with life choices and are called to gather in worship, but also to encourage one another, building up one another. If a log falls from the fire, it’s light goes out. But, when they are gathered together their flame and light burn brighter and stronger. God calls us to worship together, He is glorified and we are strengthened. So why am I so hindered in following my heart to raise my hands? What am I afraid of? Am I to think my brothers and sisters in Christ don’t struggle with this torment also? Who am I to think I am the only one?

I am a child of God, I am a friend of Jesus. I am a sinner. I am a saint. I am a Christian who does the best I can every day, relying on the grace and mercy of my Savior.

I am grateful. I am overwhelmed by the love and forgiveness I receive through Christ Jesus. 

LORD, You call me out into the deep, to trust You. You call me to walk out of the shallow waters and trust You with my obedience. I ask You, and trust You will help me with my disobedience. You call me to surrender to You the very depths of my heart and die to the pride that keeps me held to the very place I wish to be free.

I raised my heart and my hands in full praise and worship today…I was free