I thank Matt Toggle, pastor of Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, for teaching me the following lesson.
When preaching a sermon on Philippians 4:4 (“Rejoice in the Lord, always; again I will say rejoice.”), he started with a provocative personal anecdote. He said he had a confession to make to the church. Something he had been doing since he was a teenager, but had never told anyone until he told his family the past week and now wanted to tell the church.
That got everyone’s attention.
He said, “Since I was a teenager, whenever I see or hear something that touches me deeply, I raise my hands for a few seconds to express a heart of rejoicing. I’m sure my family has seen me do it often, but they never ask what I was doing. Now they, and you, will know.”
Matt’s story touched me deeply, and I’ve adopted his approach.
Sometimes, in the course of life, we encounter the numinous – something that has a strong spiritual or emotional quality, that is a mixture of awe, transcendence, wonder, and mystery. It can happen during worship, or standing in an ancient cathedral, viewing the Northern Lights, or listening to a deeply moving piece of music. It often catches you by surprise and may vanish quickly.
When I have these moments, I’m going to gently raise my hands for a few seconds to acknowledge the experience and rejoice in the Lord.
In the past several weeks…
-
-
- I was in my study with Claire, my 2 year old granddaughter, listening to her babble, when suddenly she looked at me and clearly said “Papa, I love you.” My hands went up.
- When watching a YouTube video of the 2Cellos playing Gabriel’s Oboe, my hands went up.
- During worship, we sang the phrase “Hallelujah, what a Savior; hallelujah, what a Friend.” and I was seized by the thought. (Interestingly, we sang the same song in the second service, but it didn’t have the same effect.)
-
I’m not doing it for self-aggrandizement; it’s simply a physical expression of gratitude for something wonderful that is stirring my soul.
When we have thoughts and feelings of gratitude and joy, it’s helpful, appropriate and right to physically express them.
Wonderful response, valuable expression. Probably won’t be widely used, unfortunately. Hard to have your heart moved, or raise a hand in reverent response when your holding and staring at a phone. God bless you.
Hi Walt. You’re right, a phone can be distracting. I was eating at a restaurant recently and a family of four were sitting at their table looking at their phones.
Son, another good word, brother! Now, application for me of the same as rejoice often.
Reflecting on Phil. 4:4, I’m reminded that Paul was telling us to rejoice in our relationship and fellowship with Jesus and not with the circumstances of our life.
Blessings!
Thanks, Michael. Take care.
Don
Wonderful!
Hey Brother Don, just wanted to tell you I’ve been lifting my hands in praise, sometimes many times a day, when something (usually something minor or unexpected) reminds me of how great our God is. Renee and I now live on Lake Martin in Alabama but I’m still in Austin quite a bit. My eye Dr. is just off Mopac and Koenig Ln. Every time I drive by Allandale Baptist Church, my hand goes straight up in praise, thinking back on you and my first encounter with Jesus Christ!!!
You mentioned Philippians 4:4, that was one of the first songs I remember singing in Sunday evening worship…those were the days!
I truly miss your ministering spirit
Love and miss you,
Steve Watkins
Steve, I am so happy to hear from you. I have many wonderful memories of our time together in Austin. Those were special days. Alabama…what prompted you to move there? Mary and have been back in Dallas for 32 years. I’m still on staff at Stonebriar Community Church (the church that Chuck Swindoll started). I love you, brother. Don
Hi Don, We especially look for, and long for, these same “special moments” whenever the Spirit nudges. Thank you for sharing.
Psalm 119:46-48 (NKJV)
46 I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings,
And will not be ashamed.
47 And I will delight myself in Your commandments,
Which I love.
48 My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments,
Which I love,
And I will meditate on Your statutes.
Kindest regards,
Bob
Thanks, Bob, for adding good thoughts to the conversation. Don
Right on Don! Thanks for this explanation. Wish more of our congregation felt the freedom to do so.
Thanks, Pam. And it’s not just something that I’ll do in worship. Throughout the day, if I sense the sacred, I’ll respond.