To the Ends of the Earth: Character – Week 1, Day 5 - A Cultivator Turns His Gaze Toward Heaven

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

Those who keep their eyes fixed on heaven will find the strength they need to climb every mountain and walk through every valley along the narrow way. Rather than focusing on the temporary trappings of this life, we allow the One who is our helper and our protector to lift us up from the stagnation of this world and transform us as we walk the journey toward heaven. This single-minded vision enables us to see our lives from eternity’s perspective and shapes how we grow as believers and, in turn, speak and move in the lives of others.

Psalm 121 is one of a number of the “Songs of Ascents” — holy hymns sung by pilgrims as they made their way to Jerusalem for the great Jewish feasts. Just as these sacred words spurred on the people of God, they can motivate us to live lives filled with hope as we await the harvest that is to come. We will cherish our reading of the word of God, celebrate our rich heritage as members of the Church, and go out into the world to harvest the souls of the lost. We are on a holy pilgrimage toward the eternal city, calling others to join us as we give praise to the One who transforms us and leads us home.

Questions for Reflection

How would you describe your pilgrimage toward heaven at this time in your life?

What things in your life are keeping you from fixing your gaze on heaven and God’s love for you?

What can you do to cultivate a greater intimacy with Christ and recognize his care for you?

Praying with Scripture

To you I lift up my eyes,

O you who are enthroned in the heavens! (Ps 123:1)

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