I was quite proficient in basic Hebrew in my University days. There is a gold medal I received for it lurking somewhere in the house. I never kept it going though. On the whole I don’t regret that, but just occasionally I do, for there are times when going bak to the original languages unlocks a meaning in the biblical text that English translations hide.

I was reminded of that today in David Strutt’s  excellent daily reading book “Sanctuary.” He draws attention to the psalmist encouraging us to give thanks to the Lord in Psalm 105. The Hebrew word is very physical. It can mean to fling your hands in the air in  worship, to hurl a stone, to wring our hands in distress even. The point is that physical action is involved in the expression of thanksgiving.

Perhaps you are a person like me who tends to live  in your head, in your thoughts. I found todays’ reading a good reminder to involve my body in worship. Something happens when we do, or at least something happens to me when I do! When I extend my hands  to God in worship, it somehow makes me feel I am not only giving Him praise, but extending my territory in God into the physical world in which I am living out this day.  I feel the scope of my being  is enlarged. I feel bigger, which is a great blessing for someone only five foot four inches  tall – and possibly shrinking slightly and gradually!

Do you need to get out of your thoughts and step into a bigger space of faith in your circumstances and in the world around you? Why not stretch out your hands to God as you give him praise and feel yourself grow in God?

Are you up for playing, “ The Psalmist says…?”

The Psalmist says, “ Fling your hands in the air and give thanks to the Lord! ”

God bless

Kenny