I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
–Psalm 121:1–2 (NIV)
Have you ever found yourself in a worship service singing along with the congregation only to look around and see people with their hands raised in the air? Or maybe you also raise your hands during worship but you’ve never fully understood why. Have you ever stopped to ask yourself that question? Why do people raise their hands during worship in church? What’s all that passion about? Pastor Daniel likes to say that worship is whatever gets your heart’s affection and your mind’s attention. We’re all worshipers, even if you’re not sure about God. You’re a worshiper because it was created in you by your Creator.
The Bible often warns against the worship of idols. While you may not have physical statues in your home trying to steal your worship from the Father, something in your life gets your mind’s attention and your heart’s affection. It could be your stuff, another person, or even worry. And let’s be honest—worry can steal our mind’s attention and our heart’s affection. Whatever you worship and give your attention to, you are saying, “It’s worthy. It’s worth my attention and affection.” But there’s only One who’s truly worthy—worth raising your voice and your hands to.
The Bible encourages: “clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph!” (Psalm 47:1 NKJV). Only Jesus is worthy of all affection and attention! You may be discouraged and thinking, I don’t have it in me to clap and sing. But guess what worship does for you? If you find the strength to say, “I give You all the glory, God,” suddenly, your eyes are lifted off your obstacle and up to God who’s bigger than anything you’re facing. When you worship Him, the heaviness begins to lift, and His joy floods your soul. It’s the divine exchange.
Are you in need of the divine exchange today? Are you feeling the nudge to reset your heart’s affection and your mind’s attention? Are you flooded with joy and can’t wait to clap and sing praises to the Lord? You don’t have to wait for a weekend service! Take a moment in your home, during a car drive, or on a walk to worship the Father. Put on a worship playlist or stream Gateway’s Chapel Sessions release, Revelation Song, and give Him all the glory!
Pastor Daniel gave a wonderful explanation for raising our hands in worship during a weekend service. Take three minutes to hear what he had to say!
Watch Pastor Daniel’s word to the congregation on worship >