I will Lift up my eyes to the Hills, from where my help comes...

While I'm on this trend of recollecting the lyrics to certain songs, there is a more recent song that has had a profound impact on me. I don't know about you, but when I am going through a certain "season" in my life, different things speak to my heart differently. Sometimes it's stuff that I've always known but have never thought about in the profound light that I see it at that point in time. This week I've been reflecting on the words to the chorus of Bebo Norman's song, I Will Lift My Eyes. The first time it registered in my consciousness, I was moved to tears because of how appropriate the words seem in relationship to so much that is going on around me. Before I begin to sermonize, let me simply pen the words to the chorus so that you can find out for yourself how they affect you.

I will lift my eyes, to the Maker of the mountains I can't climb

I will lift my eyes, to the calmer of the oceans raging wild

I will lift my eyes, to the healer of the hurt I hold inside

I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes, to you.

Now, before you begin to recommend healing therapy, let me assure you that I am doing well. These words just speak so appropriately to certain circumstances that have brought me to the end of myself and forced me to rely on Jesus utterly and completely. This is a good place to be, and it really is all the "therapy" I need. I wonder if you've ever found yourself at the end of yourself? Empty, unclear, hurting, and ready to give it all up. If you haven't I don't envy you the experience (it's inevitable). It seems that that feeling is a necessary step if we are going to be emptied of ourselves and be filled with all that God has for us. There is an alternative of course, and that is to remain just the way you are, not worrying about God's perfect plan for you, or about accomplishing your life's purpose. For some people this may seem like a viable alternative. However, for me it is a non-negotiable. The sum total of my existence is to let God be fully formed in me so that I can be fully conformed to His will and purpose.

This means that I must be willing to fall on the Rock and be broken, lest the Rock falls on me and crushes me. And in that moment of breaking, when all seems completely lost, empty, and devoid of hope, I will lift up my eyes to the hills from where my help comes, my help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and earth.