As the number that is my age climbs higher, the number of times that I can go around in circles sinks lower. So when we went on a fall outing to our local amusement park, and my kids wanted to ride a torturous twist on the classic 'swings'—where the swings climb too high and go in circles for too long—I happily took my seat below. ⠀ ⠀ After a few minutes, I sensed something. I looked up to see my two boys waving enthusiastically and kicking their legs with excitement so I would not miss them in the sea of swings. They had been waiting for me to find them. I waved, my arms stretched big and wide, grinning so hard it hurt. ⠀ ⠀ When I looked up, I was so blessed by what I saw. ⠀ ⠀ It amazes me, the power of the connection between the eyes and the heart. What I set my sights on not only fills my heart, it fuels my beliefs, my convictions, and my attitudes. David understood this power. In Psalm 27, as he is surrounded by enemies, David doesn’t focus on the men pursuing him. Instead, he looks higher. He says to God: “You have said, ‘Seek my face.’ My heart says to you, ‘Your face, Lord, do I seek” (Psalm 27:8, ESV). ⠀ ⠀ David chose to look up. And in doing so, he gained so much more than a change of scenery. He gained courage. He gained strength. He even gained God’s perspective. ⠀ ⠀ I don’t know how I’d react if I was being pursued for harm, but I’m not entirely confident I’d follow David’s lead. So I find his choice both inspiring and comforting. If David can choose to look up when his very life is in danger, then surely I can pull my gaze away from what’s around me? Like that day at the amusement park, what’s above me can fill me far beyond what’s in front of me.
Read the rest at The Joyful Life Magazine.