What is in Your Hand?
“I will praise You as long as I live and in Your name, I will lift up my hands” (David, Psalm 63:4). “Hands” literally means the palm, emphasizing the EMPTY hand. “Be still and know I am God” (Psalm 46:10). “Be still” in the Hebrew conveys the imagery of letting something drop, cease striving with fisted hand. The hand that was once tight fisted, holding on to stuff—we let it go! Giving God room to move, to fill and to use. God won’t pry it out of our hand. He waits.
What is in our hand? It could be a literal holding of something we need to give up honoring our love walk with Jesus. Or metaphorically speaking those things we hold tight, whether a mindset, attitude, or heart condition. What do we need to let go of?
Another consideration of the hand; Remember God asked Moses “What is in your hand?” (Exodus 4) He was carrying his staff. Something of purpose, useful to Moses. God used it (many times). I love books, mostly geeky theological books, yet I appreciate a good CLEAN historical fiction novel as well. God can use those (in my hand). May we be aware of what we choose to put in our hand.
Not to mention (but I will) may we be aware of what we reach for. I love meaningful symbolism. I wear a small simple gold ring on my right pinky, I have for many years. Being right-handed, I wear it to remind myself to be aware of what I reach for. “He who has clean hands and a pure heart… will receive blessing from the LORD” (Psalm 24:4-5). A true challenge to integrity—integrity of motive and action.
The empty hand raised heavenward in prayer and worship symbolizing our surrender and longing to receive. Our raised hands with the sincere intent, indicating God is high above—over all we are, all we have, all we want. Also, our hands purposefully filled at times and willingly commissioned for God’s use.
What is in your hand?
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
Additional Note: The phrase kept coming to mind for me, “Caught red-handed.” “Red-handed” has its roots in the 15th Century in Scotland, when first referenced, meaning literally being caught with blood stains on your hands after a crime. Hm. So much spiritual application can be made.
Inspired Fountain 