Looking Up

The Psalmist asks, "I lift up my eyes to the mountains--where does my help come from? (121:1); then answers, "My help comes from the LORD" (v. 2).

He further says, "He will not let your foot slip (v. 3)...The LORD will keep you from all harm--he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore" (vv. 7-8).

Knowing that God watches over us so intently, promising to protect our lives both now and always, what should cause us fear?  What precisely ought we to worry about?  What can separate us from the watchful eye of God?  The answer: "nothing in all creation can separate us" (Rom 8:39).

So, why do we, as children of God fear?  Why do we get depressed and anxious and worried?  Don't we believe that God can provide?  Yes we do, but we too often don't look up to God, we look down on the danger, the threat, that thing which we fear.

Do you remember the Gospel Story of Peter climbing out of the boat, walking on the water at Jesus word?  Do you recall what happened when he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the storm?  "He began to sink" (Matt 14:30).

The Psalmist, on the other hand, lifted his eyes to find the answer of who would be handling the threats to his life and well-being. He lifted his eyes and saw that it was the LORD, not himself who would face the threat.

What about you?  When you face a dangerous, threatening or unmanageable situation, where is your gaze directed?  May I suggest that we all stop looking around at the mess and start LOOKING UP to the Master?  Jus' Ask'n.