Bible Reading Blog
“Lift Up Your Eyes”
Categories: Congregational Bible ReadingBIBLE READING: Psalm 121
“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121.1-2)
The attitude of our face and direction of our eyes communicates a lot: Where we’re going. What we’re trying to accomplish. What is important to us. Who we’re looking at for help.
Looking down naturally limits what we can know and see. We often put our head down to minimize distractions. It allows us to get focused on the task and hand what we need to do to get’ur done. We also look down when we’re discouraged. We don’t want to face the things in front of us. We’re ashamed of our failures. We’re just tired of trying. But when we look up, we not only see reality, but other options for help.
My girls both grab my pants and look up when they want something. They know I’m bigger than them and can do more. I can reach things they can’t. I can see things they can’t see. I can lift them up to places they want to go.
The psalmist lifts up his eyes in longing and hope for God’s help. He is the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121.2), who doesn’t sleep or slumber (Psalm 121.4). He keeps his people secure and grounded (Psalm 121.5, 7). Although the psalmist appears helpless, he looks up to God and recounts the confidence of his power. God will not fail him.
There are many people and things to which we can look to these days. The clamor in our world right now is relentless and draws our eyes to things going on around us. The drama of injustice, politics, social issues, etc. are constant and pressing. If we look around us, all we will find is brokenness and despair. We know that as long as this world is governed by men it is subject to their fickle, self-seeking passions; and yet we often look to these people to offer us a better future. The reality is none of them will give us hope or help.
Brethren, we must not expect the rulers of this world to look out for our interests or give us hope. Only God can truly do that. And so, let us lift up our eyes. Not to Capitol Hill but to the king God has established on his holy hill (Psalm 2.6). He is bigger, greater, stronger and in control of all things. He can see more than we can. He can do far more than we could ask or think or even ask (Ephesians 3.20-21). But more importantly, he can offer true hope, peace and security. Like children looking to their Father, let’s run to him during these turbulent times. We trust in the name and promises of the LORD. Quit looking down and look up.
“Set your minds on things above and not on things below.” (Colossians 3.2)
