How can we practically "lift up" our eyes to God in challenging times? Key Verse Psalm 121:1-2: “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Why Lifting Our Eyes Matters • Looking up shifts focus from problems to the Person who rules over them (Isaiah 40:26). • It reminds us that our help is personal—“the LORD,” not luck or human strength (Jeremiah 32:17). • It acknowledges God’s sovereign, literal creation of heaven and earth, assuring us He can handle anything within them (Genesis 1; Colossians 1:16-17). Practical Ways to Lift Up Our Eyes • Immerse in Scripture – Read aloud a psalm each morning (Psalm 119:147). – Memorize verses that redirect perspective, like Colossians 3:2 and 2 Corinthians 4:17-18. • Praise and Sing – Turn on worship music that exalts God’s character (Psalm 147:1). – Speak words of thanks for at least three specific blessings daily (Hebrews 13:15). • Pray with Open Eyes – Literally look up while praying, imitating Jesus (John 17:1). – Use brief “arrow prayers” during the day (Nehemiah 2:4). • Recall Past Deliverances – Keep a journal of answered prayers and review it in hard moments (1 Samuel 7:12). • Fellowship Intentionally – Share burdens with trusted believers who will point you heavenward (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Attend corporate worship even when feelings resist (Psalm 122:1). • Serve Someone Else – Actively meet a need; service lifts eyes off self and onto God’s provision (Proverbs 11:25; Matthew 5:16). • Fix Hope on Christ’s Return – Meditate on Titus 2:13 and Revelation 21:4; future glory re-frames present pain (Romans 8:18). Daily Application Rhythm Morning: Read the key verse, pray it back to God, and plan one act of obedience. Midday: Pause for two minutes, breathe deeply, and recite Psalm 121:2 aloud. Evening: List today’s evidences of God’s help; thank Him for each one. Weekly: Set aside an hour of uninterrupted worship—Bible, music, and reflection on God’s promises. Encouraging Reminders to Keep Your Gaze Up • “Our eyes are on You” (2 Chronicles 20:12). • “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). • “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). • “The LORD will guard your coming and going, both now and forevermore” (Psalm 121:8). |
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