WHERE ARE YOU LOOKING?
20th Nov 2019
You can tell a lot about what is going on inside someone just by observing what they are looking at as they walk. Some have their eyes focussed on the ground with hunched shoulders, obviously unhappy and discouraged, others are looking ahead with anticipation and purpose, some are looking in every direction taking in the scenery. The other way we look is with the eyes of our hearts, which is even more significant.
Psalm 123:1-2 (NLT) says, “I lift my eyes to you, O God, enthroned in heaven. We keep looking to the Lord our God for his mercy, just as servants keep their eyes on their master, as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal.”
We need to start each day looking to God for His help, strength and wisdom. If we focus on the demands of everyday life we can be overwhelmed by the tasks and responsibilities, but if we begin with our eyes on the Lord, we worship Him, we listen to His voice and we declare that we need Him. We will then receive heavenly resources for the day ahead.
Our enemy the devil is constantly trying to heap condemnation on us and remind us of our sin and weakness. The psalm says, “We keep looking to the Lord our God for his mercy.” Looking at our failure drags us down, looking at the Lord our God releases mercy. He is never seeking to heap guilt, rather forgiveness, cleansing and a fresh start.
When the psalm says, “as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal.” it indicates the way God is constantly wanting to guide us in every detail of life. Listen for that instruction to reach out to others with love, encouragement and words of faith.
Our looking can also be very self centred, which leads to an instruction from Paul, “Each of you should look not only to you own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4)
Faith looks to God for his action and help. Obedience looks to God for instructions. Repentance looks to God for forgiveness and mercy. Where are you looking?
by Charles Sibthorpe
