Eyes Upward

Tuesday, June 3

Eyes Upward

I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? Psalm 121:1

The journey of life can be difficult. There are days when the road feels long, the climb steep, and the weight we carry overwhelming. And when we’re in trouble, what do we usually do? We look down. Our faces become downcast, our hearts heavy, and our focus narrows to our problems, our pain, our struggles. The more we look down, the more we feel weighed down. It becomes a cycle of discouragement.

But the psalmist offers a different direction: “Don’t look down.” That’s the wrong direction for hope. Instead, he says, “Lift up your eyes to the hills.” The hills symbolize something beyond us—something higher, greater, and more enduring than our circumstances. You can’t help but look up when a mountain rises in front of you. It commands your gaze.

The psalmist teaches us to look up, to raise our eyes above our circumstances. It’s not denial; it’s reorientation. Trust starts when we shift our focus from what surrounds us to who sustains us. The real question is this: Are you looking high enough? The hills are only the beginning. They are reminders to keep lifting your eyes—not just to nature, not just to potential solutions, but to the Source—the Maker of heaven and earth. This isn’t about ignoring reality; it’s about refocusing your perspective. Trust begins when we stop staring at what’s wrong and start seeking the One who can make it right.

When stress or fear creeps in today, pause—take a deep breath—and look up. Whisper this prayer: “Lord, my help comes from You.”

Prayer for today: Lord, help me lift my eyes beyond my struggles and distractions. When I’m tempted to look down and give in to despair, remind me to look up—to look higher, to look to You. Be the focus of my heart today.