Look Up!

Imagine spending all day every day outside under the sky… And all night every night there too. Before his days as king, David did just that, keeping watch over his sheep.

In Psalm 19, David shares what he sees beyond the horizon: “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork.”

More and more, the things on this Earth are to man’s glory. Ranks, accomplishments, possessions – they all say, “Look at me! Focus on me!” How exhausting. How draining, empty, and unfulfilling. How short-lived. How dead.

The word firmament comes from “raqa,” meaning an extended surface or an expanse. How tiny are our riches compared to His firmament alone? We cannot even see the end of His glory, nor can we even imagine the end of it.

When I feel discouraged, depressed, or disappointed, I go outside, and up I look. Whether the sky is a beautiful blue gradient from the tree tops to as high as I can look, or whether the beautiful white clouds of provision are softly floating by... Whether the storm is demanding attention and I remind myself how it must look so dainty from the other side… Whether I’m searching for the brightest star or hoping for a shooting one, I am always reminded of how small my thoughts and worldly desires are, and I’m reminded why I am here and who I serve and what I have to look forward to if I fight the good fight.

So next time you need a pick-me-up, go outside. Look up. And thank Him for His glory.