From My Perspective - - -

The expression “keep looking up” has had varied applications over the years. It has often been used with those who are downcast for one reason or another – suffering from disappointment, discouragement, and/or depression. A friend may remind such a one to “keep looking up!” The idea is to be encouraged by the new day, the many potentials, and the possibilities that could be missed by the one who is looking down rather than up! Looking down limits one to a very small sphere of what can be seen and known, whereas the one who is looking up has a vast horizon and wide range for viewing and appreciating.

Its interesting when one has Physical Therapy that very often the Therapist will remind the patient to “keep your eyes open” and “keep looking up.” A reason for this is so the Therapist can determine ones state of alertness and consciousness. They want to safeguard further injury to the patient if he/she suddenly felt faint or was on the verge of blacking out. Another reason for the “keep looking up” direction is to restore confidence to the patient as he/she recovers and returns to more normal activity. For some, it is a longer process than for others – it requires discipline to return to normalcy and to look up and out as one walks. It will enhance ones perspective and improve ones equilibrium.

A relative of my wife developed an unusual malady some years ago. He explains it: “I am scheduled to have a corneal transplant in my left eye as an outpatient procedure. Some 15 years ago I had a shingles across my left eye that only allowed me to see light or darkness with that eye. It took years to completely get rid of infections in the eye so I could have a cornea transplant. The old one…has now gone bad so I need another one. The procedure now is very different from the one I had 11 years ago. Then – it was stitched in. Now they make a small opening to slide a new one in that often does not require even one stitch. Then they shoot some air behind it in order to hold it in place in place until it adheres…The only draw back is that I will have to lay on my back looking up for the first 24 hours after the operation…” Yesterday, his wife wrote: “Overall the surgery on Ed's eye seems to have gone well. They did have to go back in and rearrange the cornea and blow in more air to hold the cornea in place. The surgeon seemed to be pleased with the outcome. Ed is home now laying on his back looking up…The first 24 hours after the operation he has to be very careful not to look down…” To assist him in this recuperation, they had his head and neck in a brace that would cause him to keep looking up. For the time being, even after the brace is removed, he will have to remember to “keep looking up” until he is completely healed.

In a purely spiritual sense, “Keep Looking Up” is vital to the growth and progress in ones spiritual life. It will enhance ones ability to trust, and obey, and to be confident in the Lord at all times. In Psalm 5:3 (NIV), the words are: “In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” The NKJV states it: “My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; In the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up.” The assertion and statement of conviction is: “I will look up.” In a Song of Ascents, Psalm 121:1-2 (NKJV) the Psalmist writes: “I will lift up my eyes to the hills - Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” Again, it is both ones focus and statement of conviction – I/We need to “keep looking up.” In Luke 21:25-28, Jesus is speaking to His disciples about the signs of the end times. His choice of words is striking: “…there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near." Jesus is clear about the discipline and confidence His followers are to have in Him. He indicates that when things seem to be falling apart in the world and the very foundations of the earth are being shaken – that is the time to “look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” Remember to maintain your focus and confidence! Consider these things with me.