Preaching on Looking to God: Source of Inspiration, direction and Help
In the journey of faith, our gaze must be consistently directed towards the One who is the source of all inspiration, the giver of true direction, and our unfailing help: our God. The act of looking to Him is not merely a physical turning of our eyes, but a spiritual orientation of our hearts and minds. Let us explore the profound significance of this upward gaze.
1. Looking to God brings light and deliverance from shame (Psalms 34:5)
"Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed." When we turn our gaze towards God, we are bathed in His light. This light illuminates our path, dispels the darkness of confusion and fear, and delivers us from the shame that sin and worldly anxieties can bring. To look to God is to find radiance and freedom from disgrace.
2. The eyes must be raised to the Lord in constant supplication (Psalms 123:1)
"To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens!" The Psalmist expresses a posture of constant dependence and prayer, lifting his eyes to the Lord who reigns in glory. This upward gaze signifies our reliance on God's sovereignty and our persistent seeking of His grace and mercy through supplication.
3. Contemplating God’s power in creation inspires faith and trust (Isaiah 40:26)
"Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name; by the greatness of his might and because he is strong in power, not one is missing." When we lift our eyes and contemplate the vastness and order of God's creation, we are confronted with His immeasurable power and wisdom. This contemplation inspires faith and trust, reminding us that the One who created all things is well able to care for us.
4. When you turn your eyes to God, there is restoration and understanding (Daniel 4:34)
"At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me. I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation." Even a proud king like Nebuchadnezzar found restoration and understanding when he finally turned his eyes towards heaven and acknowledged the sovereignty of God. Looking to God brings clarity of mind and the restoration of our right perspective.
5. Jesus gives the example of looking to the heavens as an expression of faith before acting (John 11:41)
"And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, 'Father, I thank you that you have heard me.'" Before performing the miraculous raising of Lazarus, Jesus lifted His eyes to heaven and offered thanks to the Father. This act demonstrates that even the Son of God looked to the Father in faith before acting, acknowledging His dependence and the source of His power.
6. Looking to the Father is the beginning of intercession and surrender of purpose (John 17:1)
"When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, 'Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you...'" As Jesus began His high priestly prayer in John 17, He lifted His eyes to heaven, addressing the Father in a moment of profound intercession and surrender to God's will. Looking to the Father is the natural posture for those who seek to intercede and align their purposes with His.
7. The disciples had their eyes fixed on heaven as they saw Jesus being exalted (Acts 1:10)
"And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes..." The disciples' gaze was fixed on heaven as they witnessed Jesus' ascension. This act signifies their hope and expectation centered in the heavenly realm, where their Lord had gone. Their upward look was a testament to their faith in His promised return.
8. Stephen, even in tribulation, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God (Acts 7:55)
"But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God." Even in the face of imminent death, Stephen's eyes were directed heavenward, where he beheld the glory of God and the exalted Christ. Looking to heaven in times of tribulation provides strength, comfort, and a divine perspective that transcends earthly suffering.
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Conclusion
Therefore, let us cultivate the habit of looking to God in every circumstance. Let our eyes be lifted in prayer, our minds focused on His power and glory, and our hearts oriented towards His will. For in looking to Him, we find light, deliverance, inspiration, direction, restoration, and the unwavering help we need for our journey of faith. Amen.
