LOOK UP, NOT OUT

LOOK UP, NOT OUT

My ongoing journey of surrender has come with some human disappointments.  I am constantly reminded to keep my eyes on God (vertical worship) NOT people (horizontal worship).

I've been pondering how does a person gain strength through heartache, sufferings and pain perpetrated from another.    For me, some days it feels impossible.  However, I know the scriptures always give clear direction. 

 
In Hebrews...it says "Look to Jesus"...it actually uses the word "fixed or fixing".   In Corinthians it speaks of "fix eyes on things unseen" - what is "unseen"  well...reading Hebrews 11:1 it says, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."  So I'm to keep my eyes "fixed" on what I have faith in - which is God.
 
Well, I went to dictionary so I can really understand the intent of the word "fixed".  (definition)
 
FIXED: (adjective)
1. fastened, attached, or placed so as to be firm and not readily movable; firmly implanted; stationary;

2. rendered stable or permanent, as color.

3. set or intent upon something; steadily directed: a fixed stare. 

4. definitely and permanently placed: a fixed buoy; a fixed line of defense. 

5. not fluctuating or varying; definite: a fixed purpose.

 

Notice the Synonyms...constant, steady, unvarying, unwavering, firm.

 

The point is to keep my eyes "firmly implanted, permanent, intent, definite, no fluctuating" on Jesus and my faith in Him.  This is how I keep myself from horizontal worship.

 

After all, the only relationship in this life that will never disappoint - is the one I have with the Lord.  Remembering this truth is the motivator to always LOOK UP, NOT OUT.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NLT)

 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

 

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NLT)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.  Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

 

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 

 
  

 

 

Going Boldly

In my "ponderings" I am reflecting on the above quote by CS Lewis.  When I can "relate" with another person because of similar life experiences; there is an instant "bond" and a "kinship".  Walking the road of this life with others has been very helpful in my journey.  Sharing stories, victories & defeats with another person (with skin) is refreshing.  Especially those who are "real". Many times God uses people to help me see things in a different light OR to reveal my heart in areas I need to continually work on. 

Reaching out to others is good and necessary at times, however, going to the One who can identify with ALL my heartaches is the best choice.  This was confirmed to me today when I read this passage in Hebrews....Jesus is the ultimate friend.  He identifies with me - in every way.  He is the ONLY ONE that gives me what I "need" in my "time of need" - since He alone knows what I "need". 

Today, I go boldly to Him with confidence knowing His grace will be enough...for today's need.


For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow.

It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.

So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe.

This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.   Hebrews 4:12-16 

There are healing in tears!

Were you every told "be strong, don't cry"? I was conditioned to believe it was a sign of weakness and learned to endure pain. This is not true!

My relationship with Christ has been an ongoing journey of tears...those of excitement, joy, happiness, laughter, fear, sorrow, pain and struggle, agony, disappointment, brokenness and meltdowns. Each type is important in the journey...it's awesome to know that God sees every teardrop and cares about every one.

Psalm 56:8
... "You keep track of all my sorrows.
You have collected all my tears in your bottle.
You have recorded each one in your book."

Psalm 126:5
"Those who plant in tears
will harvest with shouts of joy."

2 Samuel 22:34
"He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights.

Psalm 18:32
"It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure."

There are healing in tears!
Ok...so when was the last time you gave yourself permission to have a "good cry?" I'm due for one!