I Will Lift My Eyes

My eyes are continually toward the Lord, for He will pluck my feet out of the net.

Psalm 25:15

A funny thing happened in Bible study recently.  The assignment was to choose two Scriptures from a list of five in our workbook and memorize them during the week.  One of the choices was Psalm 25:14, but by “mistake” I wrote verse 15 (above) on my 3×5 card and memorized it.  When I quoted it during our study, several women seemed confused and asked which version of the Bible I was using because the verse didn’t sound anything like what they had memorized from verse 14.

            I called it a “mistake,” but it was verse 15 that God has used to speak to my heart every day since I memorized it.  I wrote recently about the new journey my husband and I are on since his sudden decline in health.  To see the decline would be so frightening to me without knowing the Lord and the truth of the promises in His Word.  I have a stack of 3×5 cards with verses from Scripture that I read often to remind myself of God’s promises. 

            God’s promises are my solid rock foundation, especially in these days of uncertainty.  This Psalm 25:15 reminds me to keep my eyes on the Lord.  I think often of Peter when he and the other disciples were in a boat during a storm at sea.  Matthew 14:22-33 tells the story:

They saw Jesus walking on the water and were terrified, thinking He was a ghost.  But Jesus immediately said to them, “Take courage; It is I.  Don’t be afraid.” Peter said, Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.”  Jesus said, “Come.”  Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”  Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.

Whatever “storm” we are facing, the enemy definitely wants us to be trapped in a net of fear.  What might happen if….?  So this is the reminder I need when I am tempted to wonder what the future holds:  Psalm 25:15 reminds me to “keep my eyes continually toward the Lord.”  He knows all about the storm.  He promises to be right there with us, and He is the One who calms the storm, no matter what the circumstances. 

            Here are a few more verses that encourage me this week:

Psalm 121:1  I will lift up my eyes to the mountains.  Where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heavens and earth.

Psalm 3:3 You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.  [And when He lifts my head, my eyes are able to see Him!]

Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear for I am with you.  Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.

I encourage you to listen to the song on YouTube: “I Lift My Eyes” sung by Kristyn Getty.  It is a beautiful reminder to keep our eyes lifted to the Lord!

PERSONAL REFLECTION

What is the storm you are facing in your own life?  Or the life of someone close to you?

Write a prayer to God calling out to Him for help.

As He calls you to come to Him for help, how will you respond?

Which of these verses encourage your heart today?