In what ways can we actively "look to the LORD our God" daily? Setting the Scene Psalm 123 paints a picture of worshipers ascending to Jerusalem and lifting their eyes toward the temple—the visible reminder of God’s throne. Verse 2 focuses that gaze: “As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God until He shows us mercy.” The Servant’s Posture • Servants watch the master’s hand for direction, provision, and protection. • Their attention is steady, expectant, humble, and obedient. • Likewise, looking to the LORD is not a quick glance but a continual, dependent focus (cf. Psalm 25:15; Isaiah 26:3). Practical Ways to Look to the LORD Daily • Immerse Yourself in Scripture – Begin and end each day with His Word (Psalm 1:2). – Carry a verse on a card or phone wallpaper and return to it whenever your mind wanders (Deuteronomy 6:6–9). • Pray with an Attentive Heart – Offer short, sincere prayers throughout the day—“arrow prayers” that keep the line open (Nehemiah 2:4). – Pause before decisions, meetings, or conversations to consciously acknowledge His presence (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Cultivate Expectant Waiting – When answers delay, keep your “eyes” fixed on Him, not on clocks or calendars (Psalm 27:14). – Choose praise while you wait, trusting His timing (Habakkuk 3:17-19). • Respond Quickly in Obedience – When Scripture or the Spirit highlights an action, act promptly—just as a servant moves at the master’s signal (John 14:21). • Guard Your Gaze – Limit influences that pull your eyes elsewhere (Psalm 101:3). – Redirect wandering thoughts by recalling His promises (2 Corinthians 10:5). • Stay in Fellowship – Join with believers who help keep your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Share testimonies of how God provided or guided; this mutual encouragement sharpens focus (Psalm 34:5). • Serve with a Kingdom Mind-set – Perform everyday tasks “as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). – Look for opportunities to be His hands and feet, allowing acts of service to draw your gaze back to Him (Matthew 25:40). • Practice Thankfulness – Keep a running list of mercies received; gratitude keeps the eyes upward (1 Thessalonians 5:18). • Fix Your Eyes on Christ in Trials – When pressures rise, recall 2 Chronicles 20:12: “Our eyes are on You.” – Deliberately shift focus from the problem to the Savior, echoing Hebrews 12:2. Encouragement for Today Looking to the LORD is less about a single moment and more about an ongoing lifestyle of dependence. As we train our hearts to watch for His hand—through Scripture, prayer, obedience, and thankfulness—He faithfully supplies wisdom, peace, and mercy for every step. |
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