Dawn. And I’m walking on a path interrupted by roots. Stumbling on acorns hidden beneath fallen leaves.
The way feels uneven.
Unpredictable.
I can’t look up. In the grey. Before full light reveals.
Look up
My eyes focus near my feet. On the path.
Cautious.
I trip and catch myself occasionally.
In the downward focus, I miss other things. It takes intentional pauses.
Slowing to look up.
Then I see
Then I see the full moon still hanging to the west.
Notice a tree in full autumn glory. Brilliant even in partial darkness.
Watch geese stroll across the road.
Get caught up in colors of sunrise on the clouds. Rapidly changing. Never the same.
Stop
Some seasons, my eyes focus at my feet. Unsure of what’s coming with the next step. Watching for uncertainties that might trip me up.
And in the sometimes dark, I wake up fearful. Ruminating on what I can’t control.
Then, in the path interrupted. Unpredictable. I’m reminded to stop.
Get my bearings in the Word of God.
And look up with hope.
Lift up your eyes
“Lift up your eyes. We serve a King.”
The King of kings. Lord of lords.
He directs the path. Makes our feet secure. Strengthens us to stay the course.
He knows the way.
His way
“This God—his way is perfect;
the word of the Lord proves true;
he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.
For who is God, but the Lord?
And who is a rock, except our God?—
the God who equipped me with strength
and made my way blameless.
He made my feet like the feet of a deer
and set me secure on the heights.”
What about you?
Are you so focused on the unknown and unpredictable, you forget to look up? What helps you “lift up your eyes”?
Related posts
Paths and prophets – dabbling – daily abiding – hope – Not so brave – Rock – Maps – He is enough – Winter trees – Necessity – Trust in the Lord – Set free on the Sabbath
8 replies on “Look up”
Susan, what a wonderful word for those days when I struggle to keep my eyes up as “roots” threaten to knock me to my knees. But there is always so much to look up and see…the greatness of God, His strength and courage for each day, His faithfulness. The name of the Lord is a strong tower!
Dear sister! Praying for you in these difficult days. Grace and peace to you and Doug.
On my way to a doctor appointment, I felt anxious and was reminded to give thanks. So I began: aircon, taxis, great medical care, and a pumpkin spice latte before the appointment. God is good!
Yes, He is SO good. Praying for you, friend.
What truth. I have been taking on unnecessary worry and tension over things outside of my control…worrying about the outcome, when that is not my burden to bear. Even in my quiet time this morning I was crying out to God asking him to restore me and to give me grace to lean into his everlasting arms. (Deuteronomy 33:27)
Thank you for this!
I love that part in Deuteronomy 33:27 reminding us HE is our dwelling place. A comforting truth.
Grace to you.
A beautiful and simple truth I also needed to remember today. Thank you, Susan.
Lifting you up, sister. Thankful for you!