A Spectacle Of Glory #188

Read: Luke 21:28

Even an old cedar tree can teach a lesson about life. The tips of this evergreen always point straight toward the sky, reminding us that “up” is the best direction of all. When circumstances close in, when disappointments darken our horizon, when pain slips into our world like a night marauder, we might find ourselves looking back to the “good old days.” Or perhaps looking down in discouragement or despair. Jeremiah writes, “Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to God in heaven.” David prayed, “To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul,” and “I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy.” Jesus said, “When all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!”^a We all need to look ahead in order to walk in this world, but true orientation happens with an upward glance.

Lord, be the Lifter of my head today. Open the eyes of my heart, like You did Elisha’s servant’s, to see Your horses and chariots of fire surrounding the adversaries that surround me.^b I’ve spent too much time looking down at my circumstances, looking inward at my faults, or looking ahead at worries on the horizon. Today, Lord, I really need to look up and see You.