“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7
What a beautiful picture, humbling yourself so that God can lift you up.
I was listening to a message this week from one of my favorite pastors, Vince Antonucci. He pastors Verve church which sits in the heart of Las Vegas. He shared how Quakers have a tradition. When they go before the Lord in quiet time they turn their hands with palms facing down. This is their way of emptying themselves of whatever is distracting them from their relationship with God. Then, once they have emptied themselves, they turn their hands palms facing up. This is when God fills them up with His Spirit now that they have emptied themselves of theirs.
Isn’t that a beautiful way to come before the Lord?
I just stopped and did that. Right now, in the midst of writing this blog. It was amazing.
As I turned my hands over I thought of all the things I needed to let go of today. There was so much. As I started listing things in my mind, more kept coming. It felt good to visualize them pouring out of my down turned palms.
Then I rushed it, and I turned my hands back over. I felt this immediate prompting from the Lord:
“No, there’s more.”
I wasn’t finished letting go. I could feel it in my Spirit. I immediately turned my hands back over. There was more. The Lord was right. I had bitterness hiding in the crevices, there was jealousy that I hadn’t acknowledged. I felt unforgiveness begin to flow out of my hands. All things I needed to let go of today. Now.
Finally, when I felt the last drop fall from my palms. I turned my hands back over. I let the Lord begin to fill me back up.
I prayed for His light to pour into me. I prayed for His love to fill me. I prayed that nothing be hidden from Him. I gave Him access to my entire heart.
It was amazing! It was energizing. I feel lighter than I’ve felt in days. I feel able to take on the rest of my day. I feel renewed. I feel refreshed. I feel loved. I feel close to God.
I encourage you. Try it. Find a quiet place to sit and do as the Quakers do. Turn your palms over and empty yourself. Cast all your cares on the Lord. When you’re ready, not a second too soon, turn them over and ask Him to fill you back up.
Prepare to be amazed!
Let it go!
