If I Had Just Looked Up

TITLE: IF I HAD JUST LOOKED UP

SCRIPTURE: PSALM 121

This morning we’re going to look at a Psalm about looking up. Charles Spurgeon called this A Psalm Of The Eyes. Psalm 121 is written to speak to the heart, the simple, poetic formula is meant to hit home in a memorable way. The imagery of this Psalm is meant to give a sense of the comprehensive care of God for those who look to him. I must admit the most challenging times of my life, happened when I failed to “Just Look Up.”

I remember in the early 80’s, Sis. Lawson and I were married maybe two years. We went downtown Mannheim, Germany, I believe it was 4th of July. We checked into a little Bread and Breakfast, after receiving the keys we went upstairs and to our surprise, we could not find our room. We walked up and down the hall wondering how we were supposed to know which room was ours. We were too embarrassed to go back downstairs and ask and have them shake their head at us young Americans who don’t have sense enough to find their room. After Michelle and I walked up and down the hall trying to locate the room; you know here in our country the room number is on the door or side of the door at our hotels. Well…I or maybe it was Michelle, finally looked up above the door and there found the room numbers. Yes, “IF I HAD JUST LOOKED UP.”

I believe that is what the writer of this text would have us to understand. Look up — for this will keep --

• The head from swimming

• The heart from sinking

• The knees from trembling

• The feet from slipping

• The hands from hanging down!

It is impossible to say what will happen to us, or what will be required of us this year — but “Look Up!” This direction, if properly attended to, will -

• Procure for us all that we need

• Secure us against all that we dread

• Make us more than a match for all our foes and fears!

My brothers and sisters, if you are going through today, can I just tell you “Look up” and hear Jesus saying to you, “do not be afraid — I myself will help you!”

• Are you Discouraged? -- “Look up”

• Are you Despondent? -- “Look up”

• Are you Downtrodden -- “Look up”

• Are you Depressed -- “Look up”

This 121st Psalm has been one of my favorites for years. I suspect it has been for many of you, as well. It’s one of the staples of the faith we learn early on then repeat often, especially in times of trouble - “I WILL LIFT UP MY EYES TO THE HILLS, FROM WHENCH COMETH MY HELP.” The poetry rolls off the tongue, especially when you revert back to the Elizabethan English.

• But what does it mean?

• And how does it speak to us today?

• Where does your help come from?

When I first heard this Psalm in Sunday School as a boy, I pictured mountains symbolizing the Omnipotence Of God – Majestic - Imposing - Immovable.

• Mountains stand for STRENGTH - STABILITY - DOMINANCE - POWER

• To stand on top of a mountain is like standing on top of the world

• To stand at the base of a mountain and look up at the summit is to, well, stand in awe and wonder

• Mountains are so big and we, by comparison, are so small

So, naturally, when I heard the words, “I WILL LIFT UP MY EYES TO THE HILLS,” I thought of God’s dominion over all creation. As far as I can remember, that’s what we were taught - To lift up your eyes to the hills is to be reassured that God is all-powerful and in control. In the words of a song, “He’s got the whole world in his hands.” That’s why, in the King James Version of the Bible, the opening words are translated –

• “I WILL LIFT UP MINE EYES UNTO THE HILLS, FROM WHENCE COMETH MY HELP”

• Hear the difference?

• It’s not a Question, but a statement of Fact

Where does your help come from when things go contrary in your life?

• When a relationship begins to sputter and fail?

• When your teenage son or daughter starts running with the wrong crowd?

• When your work becomes a greater drudgery than you can stand?

• When a loved one dies?

• When you suffer a crisis of faith and find it hard to pray?

• When you wonder to yourself -- Does God really care one way or the other?