Monday September 6, 2021

Today’s Reading: Psalm 123

I lift my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven.

Psalm 123:1

Reflection: Like a servant’s eyes on his master’s hand, the psalmist’s eyes are fixed on the LORD of heaven and earth. He is the servant of His God, constantly seeking what the LORD may decree, what He may do in His holiness and glory. Every move of his God is significant, and the psalmist does not want to miss any of it. The psalmist’s eyes rest on the LORD also because he is waiting on Him. He is at God’s beck and call, ready to obey Him at a moment’s notice. His eyes are intent at seeing what the LORD may desire. There will be no delay should the LORD call him to move at His command.

The psalmist lifts his eyes to the LORD seeking His favor. He longs for His God to look upon Him and meet his concerns and needs. As a servant is completely dependent upon his master, the psalmist looks to the LORD in times of trouble. He knows that all provision and all safety come from God. As he endures the contempt of people around him, he fixes his eyes on the LORD even moreso. Only the LORD’s favor, he knows, can overwhelm the scorn of all that are against him.

As the psalmist fixes His eyes upon His Master, as he seeks Him wholeheartedly, as he waits for his LORD’s instruction under all circumstances, so must we also lift our eyes to God. The more dire the need, the more difficult the circumstance, the stronger the temptation to stray is cause to focus intensely upon Him. Don’t remove your gaze from the LORD! Keep your eyes fixed upon Him.

Prayer: Loving God, I kneel before You in Your sovereignty and holiness. I seek Your Presence and perfect Will. Thank You for securing the heavens and the earth by Your royal Kingship over all creation. Thank You for the ability to draw near to You by Your grace. Please, LORD, help me to remain focused on You. Help me to live guided by Your statutes and surrendered to Your authority. Teach me to rest in growing faith in You. I am in need of You every moment, LORD. I pray these things in Jesus’ Holy Name, AMEN.

Bible-in-a-Year Reading Plan (credit: Bible, studytools.com): 2 Timothy 3; Jeremiah 9-10; Psalm 123