Eyes Up
I lift my eyes to you, the one enthroned in heaven.
Psalm 123:1 (CSB)
Have you ever experienced feeling dismissed, mistreated, or attacked? These emotions form the backdrop of the Psalmist’s life as he writes Psalm 123. In this Psalm, we listen to the earnest plea of God’s child directed towards the Lord, asking for mercy. He understands the hurt that comes from facing challenges inflicted by others. He demonstrates that in times of difficulty, we need to shift our perspective and look upward.
Redirect Your Eyes (1-2). The Psalmist begins with a vivid depiction of his focus on the Lord during challenging times. This focus illustrates the Psalmist's trust and dependence on the Lord to intervene in the moment. Reflecting on the Psalmist’s approach, we should realize that we often fail to direct our attention to the Lord and instead fixate on our adversaries or circumstances. Such misdirection amplifies our pain as we look in the wrong place for resolution. We need to adopt a mindset that consistently seeks the Lord above.
Desire True Mercy (3). The Psalmist implores the Lord to extend His favor upon His child. This request for mercy arises from the Psalmist's experience of mistreatment by others. The plea signifies a humble recognition of one’s own position. Mercy, in this context, is evident when the deserving punishment is withheld. Feeling overwhelmed, the Psalmist acknowledges that he has faced more than his share of difficulties. In the New Testament, we are reminded that God’s grace surpasses all needs (2 Corinthians 12:9) and His mercy is abundant since He is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4-5). Understanding the enormity of God’s grace and mercy should inspire us to raise our hearts to the Lord, seeking His grace and mercy in our lives.
Live Through The Pain (4). The Psalmist has faced significant suffering and ridicule. This struggle enriches his relationship with the Lord, as it removes distractions from seeking Him. In our own moments of pain, we should remember that we are experiencing, to a lesser degree, what Christ endured for us. Enduring through pain transforms us through a refining process, shaping us to reflect Jesus more closely. We should view our pain not just as suffering but as an opportunity for spiritual growth.
QUESTIONS
Where do your eyes turn when you face various forms of pain, struggle, and attack? Do you look at the opposition, look for an easy way out, or turn your eyes up to the Lord?
What benefits exist for the believer to live through the pain of a storm in life?
