Look Up!

I find myself looking down often—down at the pavement while I walk or run (who am I kidding, I never run), down at the tasks in front of me, down at my phone or computer screen.

It’s easy to look down in other ways, too. An endless stream of bad news clamors for our attention. We deal with personal struggles, memories of past mistakes, and the frustrations of everyday life in a fallen world. We all have reasons for hanging our heads and hearts in discouragement.

In Luke 21, Jesus is describing the end times to His disciples. He warns of natural disasters, persecutions, wrath, betrayal, and other distressing events. Yet, He ends His discourse with these instructions, “Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28).

“Raise your heads” literally means: Look up! Be elated! Exalt in one’s soul! Jesus was telling His followers: “When the world is falling to pieces—look up!” Why? Because our redemption is at hand. Our debt has been paid! All that this world has taken from us will soon be restored! Woot woot!

You might be in the midst of a personal crisis. Or maybe you’re in distress over the state of our world. Maybe you’ve lost sight of our sovereign God, Who is still running the universe. I encourage you to look up today—literally and figuratively. Look up from your tasks, your phone, the news. Look up from your stressors and the things weighing your heart down. Lift your eyes for a moment and lock eyes with the One who has purchased your redemption.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).