“Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.” (Col 3:2 NAB)
For many years I participated in a Moms in Touch prayer group, where we would pray Scripture into the lives of our kids. We would insert their names into the passages, knowing that God’s Word was being nestled in their hearts through our prayers. This particular day we were praying Colossians 3:2, and my prayer was that our son Steve, then in sixth grade, would think of what is above, not of what is on earth.
That evening Steve and I were at the kitchen table where he was doing his homework and I was doing some paperwork. He had some maps to color, and conversation was easy as he was just coloring stuff. All he would talk about was heaven that night. I hadn’t initiated the conversation, and had forgotten about our Scripture prayer for him earlier in the day. For three hours all he talked about was heaven! It wasn’t until later that I remembered our prayer, and marveled at God’s clear answer to this request.
Thinking of what is above has been surfacing many instances of being called to lift my mind and heart upward, to take it off the difficulties of the moment and find relief as I raise my sights to God. I remember a good priest’s anecdote about asking someone how they were doing ~ they replied, “ok, under the circumstances.” His response was “what are you doing under the circumstances? Get out of there!” For me, that translates as, “look up!”
I think of all the awesome churches that draw our attention upward as we gaze at majestic art works and statues. Entering any of those cathedrals, we see people all looking up, caught in wonder at the beauty of the architecture and images. When we step outdoors in the cathedral of God’s natural creation, we are again drawn to look up, to be lost in the glory of a sunset or a night sky full of stars. Who doesn’t love to watch an eagle soaring overhead, or admire a giant tree reaching upward, or the snowy caps of mountains?
It was said St. Ignatius of Loyola would begin his prayer times by stepping outside and just looking up at the night sky, until tears ran down his cheeks as he praised God for His Glory. In Acts 7:54-57 we read of St. Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, looking up as he was about to be stoned and seeing the glory of God and Jesus standing at God’s right hand.
Corrie ten Boom relates the story of standing in formation in the stark cold courtyard of the concentration camp, where a young woman was being brutally beaten in front of all the inmates who were forced to witness the cruelty. In His mercy, God sent a lark that began to sing its beautiful melody as all eyes were lifted from the horror before them to a small reminder of goodness and hope. Psalm 121 comes to mind here, “I lift up my eyes to the hills, from whence does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (Ps 121:1-2 RSV). This was one of my mom’s favorite verses, and always serves to remind me of God’s faithful provision for all of my needs.
More reminders to look up! are popping into my mind, but the last one I’ll recall here is a simple thought shared by a friend. She helps out at the school cafeteria, and often can see sadness or discouragement on the faces of the students as they come through the food line. Her word to them? “Look up!” combined with a smile and a silent prayer, as she ministers to them with the love of Jesus in her heart.
Everywhere we turn today we are bombarded with news and circumstances that could tempt us to discouragement or despair. God has given us an antidote: “Look up!” Let us with St. Stephen see Jesus standing at God’s right hand, interceding for us and calling us to remind each other to think of what is above, not of what is on earth.
Lord God, help us to keep the bigger picture before us, knowing that You are indeed always in our sight as we raise our eyes to heaven and seek Your face.
Thank You for Your Word planted in our hearts, watered from above with the living waters of your mercy. May we encourage one another to look up each day, to be renewed in faith and hope…
Spiritual Sun Pennies 