Look and See

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—Where does my help come from?

Psalm 121:1

The roar of a snarling chainsaw distracted me as the neighboring landowner cleared his property. I cringed at the sound of mature Pine trees crashing to the ground. That evening I walked to the fence to investigate the enormous debris pile left behind.

Several days later, I saw an unexpected new view, a blazing sun disappearing behind a distant mountain. It appeared through the opening created by the fallen trees.

The psalmist wrote of something similar, the Israelites’ thoughts as they also viewed surrounding hills and mountains on their journey to Jerusalem, “I will lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1,2).

As I consider God’s new gift of sunsets behind this recently exposed ridge, I marvel at the limitless ways God blesses me—through Creation, through a new neighbor, and even through change. I identify with the Israelites and others before me who have looked and paused to reflect upon God’s limitless gifts of grace.

Father, thank You for showing me Your active presence in the changing dynamics of life. Your beauty and Your care constantly surround me. Prompt me to look up more often for the demonstrations of Your help, love, and provision. In the name of Your ultimate gift, Jesus, I pray, amen.

Linda Lesniewski