"Hands"

These young hands, they do impress,

Their riding skills and all the rest,

Hats off to the buckles won,

And records broken, lots of fun.

These old hands, remember when,

They were in the spotlight then,

Can’t take away from all they’ve done,

Set the records, so much fun.

These ranch hands, from way out there,

With cowboy skills, they show they care,

And love the life, and hold it tight,

Though some might think them lesser lights.

These two hands have held the reins,

Gone the miles, withstood the pains,

Of life that’s good but has its tests,

But by God’s grace, we do our best.

These hands lifted to the sky,

In praise to God, who drew him nigh,

A cowboy’s hands who passed the rein,

And lived by grace, in Jesus’ name.

These hands fold, in still decease,

Across his chest, he rests in peace,

His ride was full, though here no more,

For now he rides on heaven’s shore.

“I will praise You as long as I live, lifting up my hands to You in prayer…” (Psalm 63:4, NLT)

I remember my early years as a believer, and seeing people lift their hands in praise to God for the first time. The church in which I was raised never did that, nor was their any applause or outward exuberance. Quiet worship indicated reverence, and it was just the way we traditionally did it. But the Psalmist speaks of lifting one’s hands, and Paul said he wanted men everywhere to lift their hands in prayer to God. Perhaps it’s because lifting one’s hands is a universal sign of surrender. In the same psalm, the hand of God is also mentioned. The Lord’s “strong right hand holds me securely.” His hand holding us and our hand praising Him describes a relationship of love and security. Peace and safety are found no where else.

Lord, help us lift our hands in surrender to You, in Jesus’ name.

Photo by Andrea Mischianti, used by permission. Thanks, Andrea, and God bless you.