Be still, there is a Healer
His love is deeper than the sea
His mercy is unfailing
His arms, 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
Let faith arise
Open my eyes
I Lift My Hands
I Lift My Hands Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"I Lift My Hands" by LIFE Worship, released on May 24, 2011, is a powerful worship song centered on themes of surrender, faith, and finding refuge in God. Its release marked a significant moment for many seeking musical expressions of their spiritual walk. The accompanying song video from 2011 typically presented the worship team leading the song, often in a simple, reverent setting conducive to corporate or personal worship. The visual focus tends to be on the act of lifting hands and the earnest expression of faith depicted in the lyrics, aiming to draw viewers into a similar posture of adoration and trust.
The song's meaning unfolds as an invitation to quiet the soul and acknowledge God's presence and character. It begins by urging stillness, highlighting God as the ultimate Healer whose love is immeasurable and mercy is steadfast. He is presented as a secure fortress for those who feel weak, a common theme in worship music that resonates with the human need for strength beyond oneself. The core message revolves around the decision to "let faith arise" as an active response to this divine nature. This leads to the titular act of lifting hands, symbolizing surrender, belief, and a declaration of finding refuge and strength solely in God. The pouring out of the heart is an act of vulnerability and honesty, coupled with the vital spiritual discipline of remembering God's unwavering faithfulness throughout history and in personal experience.
The narrative continues by drawing on the imagery of a cleansing and life-giving river flowing from "Calvary's Tree," a direct reference to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This river represents the grace that washes over the believer, a fountain freely available to satisfy spiritual thirst. This imagery powerfully connects God's present attributes of healing, love, and strength to the foundational event of Christian faith – the atoning sacrifice of Christ. The repeated call to "let faith arise" and the plea to "open my eyes" signify a yearning for deeper spiritual perception and renewed trust in the face of life's challenges. The song serves as both a declaration of God's truth and a personal prayer for the faith to fully embrace that truth.
Several scripture references echo the themes found in "I Lift My Hands." The concept of God as a healer and His unfailing mercy is found throughout the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 103:2-4, Psalm 136). God as refuge and strength is a central theme in passages like Psalm 46:1. The act of lifting hands in worship or prayer is seen in Psalm 63:4 and Lamentations 3:41. Remembering God's faithfulness is encouraged in Psalm 77:11. The imagery of a life-giving river or fountain is reminiscent of John 4:10-14 (living water), Revelation 22:1 (river of the water of life), and Isaiah 55:1 (come to the waters, you who are thirsty). The idea of grace washing over is connected to Ephesians 2:8-9 and Titus 3:5-7. The call for faith to arise and eyes to be opened relates to passages like Hebrews 11:6 (faith is essential) and Ephesians 1:18 (praying for spiritual enlightenment). The song effectively weaves these biblical concepts into a cohesive expression of worship and trust.
