Your Hand is Open

I wrote this song earlier in the month after reading a selection from Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts-

"Joy is a flame that glimmers only in the palm of the open and humble hand. [...] The moment the hand is clenched tight, fingers all pointing toward self and rights and demands, joy is snuffed out. Anger is the lid that suffocates joy until she lies limp and lifeless." 

Voskamp writes about how we clench our fists trying to control the circumstances of our life, as we try to hold on to that joy, that moment, and it really pricked my heart as I know I am so very guilty of this.

Your Hand is Open
Mandy M**** ã 2011

Your hand is open, my hand is closed
In attempt to grasp some sense of control
Fist tightly bound, heart tightly wound
And I’m holding on to nothing at all.

Your hand is open, my hand is closed
You offer blessings, and I say, “Lord, no.”
Fist clenching still, tho’ I desire Your Will
Yet I’m holding on to nothing at all.

Your hand is open, my hand is closed
Shutting out joy that I could have known.
I’m crying inside, dying inside
’Cause I’m holding on to nothing at all.

Your hand is open, my hand is too
Receiving Your grace, Your mercies anew.
Fingers uncurled, heart unfurled
I’m letting go in the arms of Jesus.

I’m letting go in the arms of Jesus.