What does this really look like, though? You probably haven’t actually fallen into a slimy pit lately… You haven’t been stuck in literal mud and mire. But you may be stuck in anxiety, shame or depression. When you turn your problems over to the Lord, He stands at the ready, able to lift you up. In addition to praying, the book of Psalm talks about tangible ways we can position ourselves to turn to God and open ourselves up to His help.

Check out these specific body parts that various Psalms say we can lift up toward the Lord—sometimes on our own and sometimes with God’s help:

EYES!  – I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. -Psalm 121:1-1

HEAD! – But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. -Psalm 3:3

VOICE! – Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts; his name is the Lord; exult before him! -Psalm 68:4

HANDS! – Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. -Psalm 63:3-5

Perhaps one of these verses is just what you needed to think about today. Your body posture can actually lift your temperament. Do you believe it? Try it out and see. The next time you’re in the middle of a rough day, step aside for a minute, and literally lift your eyes up toward the heavens. Talk to God and ask Him for what you need. Or are you stuck in a difficult season? Maybe you’re facing your first birthday without a loved one who went to be with Jesus. What if you wake up in the mornings and actually lift up your arms to the sky as you cry out to God and share with Him your thoughts and emotions? 

I can’t tell you how many times lifting up my voice to the Lord has helped to lift my mood and raise my attention from the problems of the world to realities of heaven. If you’re skeptical about trying something as simple as lifting your eyes, head, voice or hands up to heaven, don’t pass final judgment until you’ve given it a try. 

According to Psychology Today, “embodied cognition” is a captivating theory that proposes that our bodies and minds are not separate entities but intricately connected. Research supports the idea that the way we hold ourselves physically can have a direct influence not only on our feelings but on our thoughts and behaviors, too. For example, one specific study discovered that sitting upright makes it easier to recall positive memories, while slouching promotes the deactivation of interoception and increases negative and depressive thoughts.

So the next time you’re stuck way down in the dumps, come back to these Scripture verses from Psalm. Remember, you can lift up your eyes, head, voice and hands to God. Change the position of your body, and see how that might also change your spirits and energy. I wonder how God might lift you up when you extend and raise your beautiful body toward Him?