Daily Bible Challenge: Day 612 Psalms Chapter 134

We are called several times throughout the Scriptures to be people who praise the Lord. In this chapter of Psalms 134, we are asked to Praise the Lord with our hands lifted up.

 Why? What is significant about lifting up our hands?

First, let me answer by saying great praise is not determined by what is observed from the outside (lifted hands, on one's knees, laid out prostrate, etc.). Great praise is what comes from the heart and that's what God looks at, our hearts.

However, sometimes what is within the heart will affect how we praise with our physical body. For example:

1. If I'm feeling very humbled before God, I may find myself laid out prostrate on the floor before God during my praise time.

2. If I'm feeling the need to surrender everything over to the Lord, I may find myself on my knees in a bowing position before God during my praise.

– Some people raise their hands because they want to express physically what is within their hearts.

– Some raise their hands as a way of praising God for his greatness.

– Some raise their hands as a way of surrender.

– Some raise their hands as a way of exalting the Lord.

– Now having said all that, some raise their hands only because they're going through the motions and their heart is not in it.

The bottom line for me is, God is so worthy of our praises and we fall short in giving what he deserves. When I enter into heaven and see the Lord, I believe strongly that my Praise will be with much more intensity than what it is on Earth.

Sometimes I feel my excitement for sporting events is greater than my excitement for what God is doing in and through his people. Just saying.

Have a blessed day with Jesus and don't forget to praise him!