February 3

Exodus 17:11-16

When I read this, the first image that came to my mind was Grace church on Sunday morning.  Whether you are leading in worship or singing in the pews, one thing you will see is everyone's hands raised up in worship.  To worship means to be rendered to God only (Naves Topical Study Bible) - or totally giving yourself away to God.  In this position of surrendered worship, God led the Israelites to victory.  Much like Moses, when we are in a battle, we become weary.  We drop our hands, maybe even lose our focus.  What stood out to me was how Aaron and Hur did whatever was necessary to keep Moses' hands raised.  Worshiping God, despite our weariness or the appearance of unchanged circumstance, can be a challenge. In the very first small group bible study I was in, this point came up as part of our study, so we made a promise to "hold up each others arms" as we went through life's challenges.  God is continually teaching me that prayer and words of encouragement are one of the ways He uses us to bless others and worship Him through the storms.  I'm sure we all know someone who needs help holding up their hands in worship today. Our help comes from the Lord,  the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121:2).  I pray we all lift up our hands to the throne of the Lord (v.16) and perhaps help someone keep their hands lifted as well.



Randi