LOOK UP

Look UP! 

Revelation 22:14 (NIV) "Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. 

Are you one of those who are “blessed” because you have been washed in [by] the blood of the Lamb? Let this be a day of praise for those of you who see yourself as blessed by God. Even in the midst of the trials and tribulations of life God continues to bless. He is faithful to the promise that he has given in Romans 8:28 to all who are his children: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” 

God blesses his children through the difficulties and trials of life as well as in the peaceful times. He uses everything that touches our lives to fulfill his purpose for us. Many question how this could be possible. 

How would you describe your life’s journey? Do you see the struggles or do you see the blessings? Many describe their lives as being one struggle after another; more defeat than success, more empty than satisfied, more sad than happy. 

Others, even though they have had many difficulties, immediately think of their blessings and are so grateful to God for his care. It all depends on where your eyes are fixed. 

There is only one way to see the blessings in the midst of your difficulties; you must look up. In looking up, the blessings will become visible. It is in looking up that we see hope; we see Jesus. When we see Jesus whatever is going on in our lives is bearable because of him. We believe his words to us in the scripture even though we may not see how he will accomplish it. Looking at Jesus rather than our circumstances keeps us going. Standing on our faith keeps our foundation solid. Trusting in the promises Jesus makes to us expands our faith and draws us closer to our Lord and Savior. His saving grace is also a sustaining grace.

 Even death is seen differently when you are looking up. Death is not seen as the end-of-life but as the true beginning of life. Death is our graduation from this life into the very presence of God himself; a step into the warm embrace of the One who loves us with an undying love, Jesus Christ. 

Look up my friends, look up! Regardless of the circumstances in your life at this time, look up! When you accept your circumstances as a part of God’s purpose for you, then and only then, will you be able to see the blessings that are yours as you continue to walk in faith.  I love the chorus of one of my favorite hymns, “When Jesus Comes.” Read it slowly and allow the Holy Spirit to minister to your heart and let the warm glow of his presence be seen in your countenance to the glory of God the Father. 

When Jesus comes, the tempter's power is broken;
When Jesus comes, the tears are wiped away,
He takes the gloom and fills the life with glory,
For all is changed when Jesus comes to stay. 

Deuteronomy 31:8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

 david