Three Powerful Words to Preach to Your Weary, Anxious Heart

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s all too easy to find ourselves looking down—trapped by the glow of our phone screens, weighed down by endless to-do lists, or overwhelmed by bills that seem to multiply overnight. We might glance to the side, caught in envy, as we compare our lives to the perceived blessings of others. And sometimes, we look back, feeling wistful for the past, or forward, gripped by anxiety about the future.

But in Psalm 121, the psalmist invites us to lift our gaze: “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?” He then boldly proclaims: “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2). This beloved psalm is part of the Songs of Ascent, a collection of fifteen psalms sung by Jewish pilgrims as they journeyed to Jerusalem for three annual festivals in the Temple (see Exodus 23:14-19). These songs were not merely for entertainment; they were heartfelt prayers of protection while navigating the steep, sometimes treacherous paths.

While our own journeys may not lead us through the hills of Jerusalem, we can all relate to feeling vulnerable and in need of help. Yet, how often do we lift our eyes to the Lord in our struggles?

The phrase “lift your eyes” is more than just an encouragement; it’s a vital call to action for our weary, anxious hearts. When we fix our gaze on God and recall His faithfulness, we rediscover a sense of purpose and hope. In Him alone, we discover the rest, strength, and provision to navigate life.

The theme of lifting our eyes is echoed throughout Scripture. One vivid example is found in Matthew 14, which shows the contrast between fixing our eyes on our circumstances and lifting our eyes to Christ. In this passage, as Peter sees Jesus walking on water, he calls out, eager to join Him. “Come,” Jesus invites. Initially, Peter steps out of the boat, filled with faith and courage, walking toward Jesus. But soon, he becomes distracted by the fierce winds and surging waves, allowing fear to seep in and replace his faith. As he begins to sink, he cries out, “Lord, save me!” (v. 30).

How many of us can relate to that sinking feeling when worries and doubts threaten to overwhelm us? The enemy seeks to keep our eyes on our troubles, aiming to trap us in discouragement. But here’s the good news: when we immerse ourselves in God’s Word and lift our eyes to Jesus, we discover that He is there, ready to rescue us in our moment of need. As Matthew 14:31 beautifully reminds us, “Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of [Peter],” rescuing him from the waves that threatened to drown him.

So, where does our help come from? It comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth who says to the waves to “be still!” and they obey (Mark 4:39). He is our unfailing source of strength and hope. When life feels heavy, let’s preach to our hearts: “Lift your eyes! Embrace the peace that comes from trusting Him!” In doing so, we can transform our fears into faith and anxiety into assurance, stepping boldly over the “waters” of life’s challenges into the hopeful future He has prepared for us.