“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
– Psalm 121:1,2
In these troubling times, my heart is burdened — not only for our world and our country — but for the condition of people’s hearts. With the barrage of bad news that is assailing us every day, many have grown discouraged, disillusioned, and angry. Those of us who love Jesus and want to see His Kingdom come to earth haven’t been exempt from this difficult season; in fact, in many ways, we feel it more deeply. While it may seem almost too simple, the answer to the perplexing situation we find ourselves in today is to lift our eyes above it. As Christians, this is the joy of our salvation — the fact that when things appear foreboding and confusing, we have the option, and the joy, of looking up! While it’s right to be concerned about the state of our society, it’s wrong to let it steal our hope and stifle our happiness. Our God is unfailingly good, and His steadfast love never ceases. When we envision the place of peace and perfection that lies above the noise and chaos of the world and allow ourselves to rest in our Heavenly Father’s presence —even briefly — each day, He brings our hearts and minds back to their true Center. Nothing can shake the goodness of His nature, and no action of man can foil His perfect plan. He invites us to rest in the knowledge and sufficiency of who He is and to be filled with confident expectation that stems from His unchanging character. In short, when He is our sole desire, everything else comes into focus. My friend, if the world that surrounds you becomes too heavy to bear, your Savior invites you to find rest by lifting your eyes above it. In these tumultuous times, make Jesus the object of your affection and let Him fill you with the peace that surpasses understanding. Love His Word that gives you life and let His praise continually be on your lips. As you fix your gaze on Him, He will lead you ahead, illuminate your path with wisdom, and use your life to deliver encouragement, inspiration, and help to those who feel as if they have lost their way. |
Prayer
Jesus, I lift my eyes above the chaos of this world today, and I rest in your presence. Fill me with your Spirit’s hope and use me to deliver help to others.
Reflection
Do you intentionally lift your eyes above the things of earth? If you have some time, read Psalm 121 for inspiration.
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
3 Responses
Pastor Bobby. Your teachings have made all the difference in the world to me. I am able to find joy, happiness, and peace as I learn and am encouraged by the Word of God as told through you. You are truly blessed with the ability to strengthen a people’s resolve to get up and move forward and be the people that God wants us to be. When you speak I can feel the power of God lifting me up and giving me strength. I am a better person since I started worshipping the Lord with you and Shepherd’s Grove. Many of your encouraging words are posted on my refrigerator. Thank you and God Bless you all!!!
This makes me feel better as I live through the pandemic
civil unrest and all the fires in CA and other states
In these discouraging, troubled times what is needed is to make the church more relevant in our society. Churches need to unite in an effort to overcome the repression and oppressive tactics of the forces trying to silence Christians by closing churches but keeping other heavily trafficked establishments open.
AND, California churches, in particular, need to stand with Grace Church and re-open while observing recommended guidelines of social distancing and masks, while encouraging the elderly and infirm to attend ONLINE only.