Express Yourself!

“Life up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord.” Psalm 134:2

Have you ever wondered why people lift up their voices and hands, often kneeling and bowing down, or clap while worshipping the Lord?

The Word of God, like a broken record, reminds us that worshippers ought to physically express outwardly as well as internally. Reality is that, worship is so marked by physical actions and postures throughout the Bible, one might think that they are even more important then silent expressions.

Abraham raised his hands. Daniel bowed down. David danced, cried, clapped and played an instrument. Jeremiah cried out! Paul and Silas, raised their voices to worship in the damp dungeons of Philippi.

Now as you know, physical action is not more important then internal expressions, but we should take note as to how important physical actions are in the Bible. In fact, I will say, physical actions often direct and shape how we feel! Here is something you can do today during our worship gathering. Open your hands in front of you. Now, as you lift them up toward heaven, say to God, “I am so grateful for all You’ve done; I offer my life to You again and give You everything -- knowing that You will take care of me as You always have.”

How did you feel when you opened your hands in front of you and lifted them up to pray? Did it help you or hinder your sense of connection with God as you prayed? For many people, they actually say it helped them to sense that God is nearer when they engage a physical demonstration of the state of their heart!

The Psalmist talks about lifting hands in worship [Psalm 134:2], bowing down and kneeling [Psalm 05:6], clapping [Psalm 47:1], singing [Psalm 68:4], and expressing our hearts to God in many different ways. Maybe as you were worshipping with us, you felt that Holy Spirit was tugging you to kneel to pray while others are singing, or to lift up your hands while singing and praying; but you were too self conscious about what others might think. Ignore others, focus on God and as Nike says, “Just Do It!” It’s a matter of obedience! You might think, “I’m going to look like a fool.” Or “I don’t want to show off.” If showing off is your goal of your physical expression, then don’t do it! But your focus is obedience and honoring God, don’t worry about looking foolish or showing off! If your heart’s focus is to worship God, God rejoices over your obedience. And besides, we are going to be a fool for someone, let’s be fools for Jesus!

Our experience of God can be influenced by trying some of these physical expressions in our worship both privately and corporately.

Take a moment to pray. Pray loud enough so you can hear yourself:
“Lord, I know you gave me this body for a reason and that sometimes what I do with it affects the condition of my heart. Show me ways I can begin to express my love for You, with physical posture that will influence my spiritual posture. In Christ’s name. Amen!”

As you worship the Lord you can ask... “What small physical actions would capture what I feel toward God right now?” And then do it! If you continue in this, your worship will radical transform as you encounter God in our worship!