I love to cross my arms. I’m not sure what it is, but it makes me feel comfortable. It seems so awkward to just leaving my arms hang down. I’ve never really noticed a problem with this until recently.
I attend church every single Sunday usually (and not just because I am a pastor’s wife.😉) At the beginning and end of each service we sing songs to worship Jesus. He is worthy of it. Everyone has their own way of getting into it. You might see some raising their hands, others might be closing their eyes, or just standing and singing. There is really no wrong way to worship the Lord, as long as your heart is right before him.
As for me, if I’m honest, it usually depends on the mood I am in. You may see me doing one of things mentioned above. But other times, I’ll stand with my arms crossed, usually out of habit.
I’ve never thought of crossing my arms as a bad thing, until recently I have felt the Lord asking me to come out of my comfort zone. Standing with my arms crossed, especially as I sing on a Sunday may not seem like a big deal, but for me it has been a sign of something going on inside of me.
On several different Sundays, the Lord has brought to my attention that when I am standing like this, it sometimes can be associated with me not wanting to let go, or let something in. Like I need to protect myself. Especially at a Sunday morning service if I am not wanting to deal with life or feel, I’ve noticed that I cross my arms. It’s amazing what our body language communicates, isn’t it?
I fear Jesus is calling me to trust him or let go of something I am tightly holding on to. It seems safer to just ignore it, and protect myself.
But as I wrestle through my thoughts with him, I am reminded that he is faithful, and that I can trust him. And as a symbol of me choosing to trust Jesus, I release my arms. I open my hands and give over control. He was worthy of it all along.
Something about this is so freeing. There is no wrong way to raise your hands in worship. Sometimes my hands are just open and out to the side. But this physical act puts me in a position where I am able to release control over to Jesus, and receive what he has for me.
I’m not asking that you go crazy the next time you are at a worship service, but when the music starts, take a mental note of what your physical posture is. Are your arms crossed like mine? Are your hands busy holding on to something? It can tell you a lot about how you are doing. Even if you aren’t comfortable with raising your hands, I’d encourage you to place them at your sides. Don’t tightly close your hands, but open them in an effort to release control over to Jesus. Then sing and praise him with all that you are because he is worthy of it. And so much more.
My Life as Me 