Our lives look different when we look up at Jesus’ cross.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“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 English Standard Version

What are you looking at when you walk down the hallway? I’ve often caught myself looking at the floor. When I look at the floor my shoulders sag which leads to my neck hurting which then affects my back.

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Many of us have this same habit of looking at the ground when we walk, and we might not even be aware of it, nor do why know why we’re staring at the floor.  Could it be saying something about what’s happening in our lives?

We’re hunched over with grief, depression, and anxiety. It’s difficult to lift our eyes. There are days when we must make a conscious decision to throw our heads and shoulders back and look up as we walk.

The pilgrims making their journey to Jerusalem to celebrate Jewish festivals had something to look up at. As they ascended the road to Jerusalem, the splendor of the temple was displayed before them. Those who made this journey for the first time might have never seen a sight as magnificent as the temple in Jerusalem. Their eyes were drawn upward and their spirits were lifted in praise.

God in Christ gives us a reason to lift our heads. He wipes away our tears. He pulls us out of our despondency. He calms our restlessness. All this he does as we lift up our eyes and look, not at a magnificent building, but at a blood stained cross.

As a result of looking up at Jesus, crucified and resurrected, our lives are more erect. Life looks different when we look up at Jesus.

Copyright Douglas P Brauner