Years ago, when I was at a women’s retreat at Calvin Crest the speaker suggested we raise our hands when we sang. Several women she brought with her were dancing freely during the songs. I stood as I typically did with my hands clasped behind my back.
Later that day I complained to a friend that I didn’t see why the speaker wanted us to raise our hands. My friend suggested that I just try it. I stubbornly kept my hands down during that weekend.
I don’t remember when I made the change, but now I routinely raise my hands in worship. Some of the songs we sing even direct us to do so. Just the act of raising my hands makes me feel more worshipful and more a part of the music. Now I can’t understand why I was so opposed to the action. We actually see examples in the Bible encouraging us to do so.
“And David danced before the Lord with great enthusiasm” 2 Samuel 6:14
“Lift up your hands to the sanctuary and bless the Lord.” Psalm 134: 2
“Let us lift up our hearts and our hands toward God in heaven.” Lamentations 3:41
“I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.” Psalm 63:4