Originally published Friday, 19 June 2015.
It was like I had been blanketed in a fog. I could almost tangibly feel the discouragement descend on me. And like when one is in a fog my vision felt obscured and impaired. There had been no trigger point rather just a general feeling of malaise. The discouragement, like a fog, was slow in its appearance. Maybe brought on by a week of being sick and not sleeping well. Feeling claustrophobic indoors and driven by a sense of urgency the boys were bundled into the car and we headed out for a drive. I wanted to get to a mountain top - somewhere high. Seeking elevation in the hope that as my physical position changed so would my soul. And so in the cold and the wind we did. I found my mountain. As I overlooked the city below and the boys excitedly explored around me, I breathed in the fresh air and felt the discouragement lift. In this pause on top of a mountain I opened my heart to God and was enveloped in His love. Strengthened by His presence.
Lift up your eyes and look to the Heavens...(Isaiah 40:26)
In life we need to be intentional, proactive when feelings of negativity, of discouragement or failure come against us. Like David we need to speak to our soul, inquire what is wrong and then encourage it. We need to remind our souls of what God has done for us and how He is there for us. And sometimes it means connecting with God as you stand on a mountain, gaining some perspective.
Whatever is causing your eyes to be downcast, be it fear or illness or just a general out of sorts, lift your eyes - for where does your help come from?
"Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Saviour and my God." (Psalm 42:5)
God I look to You
I won't be overwhelmed
Give me vision to see things like You do
God I look to You
You're where my help comes from
Give me wisdom, You know just what to do
And I will love You Lord my strength
And I will love you Lord my shield
And I will love You Lord my rock
Forever all my days I will love you God
(God I look to you - Bethel Live)
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