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A few years ago, I started raising my hands to God during worship songs. This practice began a renewed and deeper closeness to Him as I praised Him in song. My practice is a form of reverence, a surrender, as I sense God is there in front of me. I am open in heart and soul as I am more aware of Him. I don’t raise my hands in a prideful way. Sometimes, I do it to receive more of Him. At other times, I do it to let go of hurts and heartache so that He can bring healing.

But how do we show reverence to God when the music ends and when we are outside the church doors? We can extend patience to the young and old by being less frustrated with them. We can give ourselves a dose of this patience, as the Lord always does to us. Caring for our bodies, both mentally and physically, reminds us that we are God’s vessels, created for His purpose.

Nature can also bring a powerful dose of refreshment. Being outside is my way of connecting to God, no matter what I am doing. Sitting on my patio with a book and coffee, tending to flowerpots and weeding about, walking at the nearby park or in my neighborhood. Even better is hiking in the woods and looking at the trees and the sun, feeling the musty rain, watching the birds, and hearing the crackling of leaves and twigs under my feet. Everyone has their way of sharing time with God. It’s not how, but how much.

Raising your hands in worship as an act of surrender can be a freeing experience. What is heavy on your heart that you need to lift to God? No sin is a surprise to God; He is waiting to offer forgiveness. Trying to control a situation or person only wears you out. We are not God, but unintentionally often try to be. Lifting to Him what we cannot fix is an act of true surrender.