Tag: worship

“So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.”
Psalm 63:4 (ESV)

Years ago, I walked through one of the darkest seasons of my life. I was battling depression and anxiety with no professional support. My marriage was falling apart. I felt like I was trapped in a deep well—so deep that even God seemed unable to reach me. I had two toddlers running around, needing me every minute, and I felt like life was crumbling faster than I could hold it together.

I remember one night especially clearly. After yet another argument with my husband (now ex-husband), I tucked my babies into bed, walked to the couch, and broke down. I cried because I didn’t see a way out. I wanted to be strong for my girls. I wanted to be a better wife. But I had no idea how to climb out of the hole I was in. God felt so far away, and I felt like a failure.

Then, out of nowhere, a familiar Scripture came to my heart:

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

Praise and worship had always been my favorite part of church. I’ve always loved to sing, and at the time, I was on the praise and worship team at my local church. I knew the power of praise. I knew what it meant to lift my hands. But in my depression, I couldn’t even find the strength for that.

I remember admitting to God, “I’m not sure I can even lift my hands anymore. I don’t even know why I should.”

And in that still, gentle way God speaks to our hearts, I heard Him ask,
“When your babies lift their hands to you, what does that mean?”

I answered, “It means they want me. They want me to pick them up and hold them.”

Then He said, “And what happens when you hold them?”

I replied, “They’re comforted. They feel loved. They feel safe in my arms.”

And God whispered,
“Then lift your hands to Me, daughter. Let Me lift you up and hold you. I will comfort you, love you, and make you secure in Me.”

From that day on, lifting my hands in worship became easy—not because life got easier, but because I understood. I remembered how it felt to lift my hands that night and be lifted by Jesus in return. In those moments, depression and anxiety melted away while I rested in the arms of my Heavenly Father.

Was life perfect afterward? No. The abuse in my marriage became adultery, which eventually led to divorce. My girls and I had to learn a whole new way of life. But none of that overshadowed what God had shown me:
Whenever the waves felt too strong, all I had to do was lift my hands—and He would lift me higher.

Today, my daughters are grown. They haven’t received this revelation yet, and they’re still shy in worship. But I’m not worried. I know their own conversation with God is coming. One day they will lift their hands, and when they do, God will hold them, comfort them, provide for them, and reveal Himself not just as their Heavenly Father—but as their Daddy.

Maybe you’re like I was—sitting in your own well of darkness or heaviness. Maybe you need to be lifted up, too. If so, can I pray for you?

A Prayer for the One Who Needs to Be Lifted

Heavenly Father, we love You so much. Thank You for Your Word that gives us everything we need in every season. Your Word tells us to praise You in all circumstances. And You know, Lord, that sometimes that’s hard. Sometimes we don’t have the strength. Sometimes our hands feel too heavy to lift.

But You are a Father who desires our freedom. You want us to know You not only as Abba but as Daddy. So today, by faith, we lift our hands to You. And as we lift our hands, we ask You to lift us up. Hold us close. Wrap us in Your arms. Let us feel comfort, security, and love. Thank You for pulling us out of the pit and placing our feet on solid ground.

We thank You and praise You for all this, in Jesus’ name.
Amen.