A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT by Pastor Scott
Like you, I was taught to “look both ways” before crossing. I was reminded of this a few months back when visiting New York City. Some downtown streets were so large that you crossed diagonally. You had to look behind you to your right, behind you to your left, ahead of you to the right and ahead of you to the left. And you had to look forward to make sure that you are heading to your destination.
My parents also impressed upon me, modeled, and lovingly taught me to “look up”—not on certain occasions, not every once in a while, not on my good days, but everyday! They were committed to an everyday approach with God. Not a casual approach, not a desperate approach, not a fleeting thought approach but a captivated, consistent and loving approach. They were firmly centered on meeting with God each day, not missing out on His company. They taught me to invite myself into the presence of Jesus, a place of inclusion, warmth, forgiveness, hope, dreams and direction. They taught me to leave distractions behind, to cling to Jesus when hurting, failing, falling, and when needing to be restored.
My parents also taught me to celebrate along the way and thank and praise God for His goodness, blessings, provision, and guidance. I can’t begin to recall all of the myriad times God has stepped in to steer me or redirect me to a better way or sounder decision. I’d be remiss to think that those times were random and not give credit that they were so often a result of my parents and grandparent’s prayers for me.
When you come to an intersection in your life…one that has you baffled and wondering which way to turn, may I suggest that you look both ways. Look to the right and the left but most importantly…look up.
Psalm 34:3-5 says:
Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.
He freed me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
When we look up, we find help. When we look up, He takes our fears away. When we look up to God, His help comes and His Joy will be brilliant in us!
I don’t have to find God. He is always finding me. He is always searching my heart, always open, waiting, available, always ready to help! So…
“Look Up!”