Be still, there is a healer
His love is deeper than the sea
His mercy, it is unfailing
His arms are a fortress for the weak
Let faith arise
Let faith arise
I lift my hands to believe again
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart, these things I remember
You are faithful, God, forever
Be still, there is a river
That flows from Calvary's tree
A fountain for the thirsty
Your grace that washes over me
Let faith arise
Let faith arise
I lift my hands to believe again
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart, these things I remember
You are faithful, God
You are faithful, God, forever
I lift my hands to believe again
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart, these things I remember
You are faithful, God, forever
Let faith arise, let faith arise
Open my eyes, open my eyes
Let faith arise, let faith arise
Open my eyes, open my eyes
I lift my hands to believe again
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart, these things I remember
You are faithful, God, forever
And I lift my hands to believe again
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart, these things I remember
You are faithful, God
You are faithful, God, forever
Let faith arise
Let faith arise
Chris Tomlin - I Lift My Hands
I Lift My Hands Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Released on May 24, 2011, Chris Tomlin's song "I Lift My Hands" emerged into the landscape of worship music offering a profound anthem of surrender and hope rooted deeply in faith. The song is understood to have emerged from a season of difficulty, inspired specifically by the journey of a close friend facing a serious health challenge. This personal context imbues the song with a raw authenticity, reflecting the reality that lifting hands in worship isn't just for moments of triumph, but often a necessary act of defiant faith in the face of fear, pain, and uncertainty. It captures the tension of holding on to God's promises when circumstances feel overwhelming, articulating a response of trust and adoration even when prayers for earthly healing or resolution haven't been answered in the way one might hope.
At its core, the song articulates the biblical posture of lifting hands, a practice found throughout Scripture as an expression of prayer, praise, blessing, and surrender. Psalm 28:2 cries out, "Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy, when I cry to you for help, when I lift up my hands toward your most holy sanctuary." Similarly, Psalm 63:4 declares, "So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands." This physical act symbolizes reaching out to God, acknowledging dependence, offering oneself in worship, and receiving His grace. The song taps directly into this ancient, visceral form of worship, translating it into a contemporary context while retaining its powerful significance. It speaks to the universal human experience of needing divine intervention and choosing to express faith and reliance through physical gesture, mirroring the desire to connect with the Creator in a tangible way.
Analyzing the song's structure and sound reveals how the music itself supports this message of unwavering devotion amidst struggle. It typically builds from a more subdued, reflective opening into a powerful, expansive chorus, mirroring the journey from a quiet plea in difficulty to a bold declaration of faith. The melodic contour often feels like an ascent, lifting not just hands but spirits towards heaven. The instrumentation and dynamics swell to create a sense of release and strength found in surrender, reinforcing the idea that this act of lifting hands isn't passive resignation, but an active, empowering choice to place trust in God. The musical arrangement creates a space where vulnerability meets steadfastness, allowing those engaging with the song to feel both the weight of their burdens and the lightness of releasing them into God's care.
The scriptural tapestry woven into the song's message is extensive and enriching. Beyond the direct references to lifting hands, the song resonates with themes of finding refuge and strength in God during affliction, a constant refrain in the Psalms. Psalm 46:1 reassures us, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." The act of lifting hands becomes an affirmation of this truth, a physical declaration that despite the storm, our help comes from the Lord. It echoes the sentiment of Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," reinterpreting "all things" to include enduring hardship with grace and maintaining worship through pain. Furthermore, the song’s hopeful outlook aligns with the promise of Isaiah 40:31, "but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Lifting hands becomes an act of waiting, of mounting up, of finding renewed strength in God's presence.
Ultimately, "I Lift My Hands" serves as more than just a song; it is an invitation and a declaration for anyone navigating the complexities of life and faith. It speaks to the worshiper who feels overwhelmed, providing language and melody for a response rooted in biblical practice and divine promise. It reminds us that worship is not confined to moments of joy but is a lifeline in times of sorrow and uncertainty. By connecting the physical act of lifting hands to deep spiritual truths found throughout Scripture – dependence on God, strength in His presence, hope in His promises – the song encourages a posture of faith that transcends circumstances. It’s a powerful reminder that in every season, whether in need or in abundance, the simple yet profound act of lifting our hands towards heaven is a timeless expression of trust in the God who holds all things together.