raise my eyes to the mountains
Many of you know that I am an avid walker, usually 3 miles, 3 – 4 days a week on average. It’s therapeutic for me both physically & mentally because I can usually use this hour or so to clear my head and THINK! Jill & I solve a lot of life’s problems on our walks and we create a few as well.
On our walks, I often find myself looking directly in front of me. Whether it’s because I’m focusing on the path, getting lost in my thoughts, or just paying close attention to where I’m going.
There are times when I will look up, I see birds…
I see planes taking off or landing at HOBBY AIRPORT or ELLINGTON FIELD.
I see trees in bloom
…I see squirrels…
…I notice families outside their homes enjoying time together.
When I look up I gain a different, a NEW PERSPECTIVE!
When my eyes are lifted up… my vision changes or is REDIRECTED!
ILLUS – first trip to Dallas’ new AT&T Stadium…(second quarter – Jill, “we could’ve done this at home… - “you’ve watched the entire game from the JUMBOTRON…”)
If I never look up, then I can’t see what I’d otherwise be missing. If I never look down, then I can’t see the dangers beneath my feet.
Isn’t this a lot like life?
The people of God would make three trips to Jerusalem from all over Israel.
There were obstacles to overcome, the least of which was protection as they traveled.
God’s promise as they made these trips was that He would look after their land…
He’d protect their belongings as they were faithful on their journey to the place of sacrifice and worship–the temple in Jerusalem.
As the journeyed ….they sang…
“I will raise my eyes to the mountains;
From where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1-2
These travelers would raise their eyes…they would look to the mountains. Their ascent would be to the temple mount where sacrifice for their sins would take place.
Imagine the comfort along the …
Their help…? From God.
Their eyes…? Focused on God’s work for them.
ILLUS. – He Paid A Debt
EVERY SUNDAY SIS. O would give an invitation to the same 8-10 kids.
It’s necessary for us to PAUSE along our journey to refocus…
LOOK…
…to the hills.
…to that hill in Jerusalem.
…GOLGOTHA!
Where Jesus’ offered His life for ours!
LOOK…
…to the Cross of CALVARY.
It reminds us HOW MUCH HE LOVES US and teaches us how to love others.
Someone asked me recently, “Pastor Tim, don’t you get tired of dealing with DIFFICULT PREACHERS, causing DIFFICULT SITUATIONS for you to clean up?
Of course, I do because believe it or not – I AM HUMAN!
But whether in TOUGH TIMES & in GOOD TIMES…either way, I choose to…
“raise my eyes to the mountains; from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
