HANDS UP

Today's reading: Exodus 17-20

"As long as Moses held up the staff with his hands, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites gained the upper hand." Exodus 17:11 NLT

I've read this account on numerous occasions.

I have the flannelgraph picture firmly etched in my mind.

But this morning, I see it from a different angle.

From an angle I can relate to.

Not with armed forces fighting it out on a plain.

Not with swords and bows.

But with my own battles--of the heart and mind.

And what I see is this: I've got to keep my hands lifted up in praise!

Praise is my defense. My weapon. My strength. My hope. My expression of faith. My battle cry.

When the enemy seems to be gaining the upper hand...I've got to check my praise posture!

When I'm going under water for what seems like the third time...I've got to lift my hands higher!

When I'm fearing every shadow around every corn...I've got to raise my hands in praise!

When I'm on top of the mountain...I've got to lift up both hands to praise God for my deliverance!