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Look Up
by James Webb I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from GOD, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains. Psalm 121:1-2 (The Message) A number of years ago I used to drive by a church marquee on my way to work that read at one time, "Regret looks back, worry looks around, but faith looks up." A message so simple yet so profound and true, don't you think? The Psalmist in the verses cited above begins this section of his "Song of Ascents" with the question, "does my strength come from the mountains?" Mountains can seem so large and intimidating; they can seem like a natural barrier/'wall' separating one territory from another. Mountains can play the part of a symbol of refuge for those seeking 'asylum' (if you will) from the threats of the valleys below (i.e., "Run for the hills!"). (Mountains have played a significant part in the recorded history of God's written word - i.e., Mt. Moriah, Mt. Sinai, Mt. Zion, etc.) But as massive and intimidating - and even 'protective' - as mountains can seem to be, the Psalmist acknowledges that these symbols of strength and 'massiveness' pale in comparison to where true strength comes from. As the Psalmist continues on in this Psalm and acknowledges in the very next verse - verse 2: "No, my strength comes from God." (This same God, once again, no less, "who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.") In this life it is so easy for us at times to look back and regret this or that decision that was made, or this or that experience that we went through; we are 'frail,' human, and susceptible to experience the 'pitfalls' at times that this life has to offer. More immediately, in the here and now, it can be so easy - can it not? - to look around at our current circumstances and allow worry to 'creep up' within us and overwhelm us if we so allow it (yes indeed, the spiritual mountains in our lives that we find ourselves facing at times can seem more like potential crushing weights than protective walls/barriers from the outside world). In these moments when we find ourselves tempted to look back in regret, or look around in worry, may we be reminded to simply look up - to remember, as the Psalmist above points out, that our strength doesn't ultimately rely on material things (i.e., money, health, "job security," etc. ["mountains" even]), but our strength has always - ALWAYS! - been in the One who is the Creator of all things; in a God who still - to this day - upholds "all things by the word of His power" (Heb. 1:3). ("All things" including us as well, no less.) My soul quietly waits for the True God alone because I hope only in Him. He alone is my rock and deliverance, my citadel high on a hill; I will not be shaken. My salvation and my significance depend ultimately on God; the core of my strength, my shelter, is in the True God. Psalm 62:5-7 (The Voice) James has served as a teacher, speaker and local church elder. He has an ongoing desire to encourage others by sharing the truly good news of Jesus Christ with them; ultimately bringing honor and glory to God. He may be personally contacted at: [email protected]. Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |