I think we can all agree that life can be fickle. One day everything is sunshine and roses and the next you might find yourself in the pit of despair. If you ever feel like you are alone in this struggle, let me assure you that this is not the case. You only have to read a few chapters of the book of Psalms to find that David dealt with the same rollercoaster-like circumstances and emotions that we all deal with. Of course, he had someone trying to kill him and I can safely say that this is not the norm in our lives today.
After navigating a particular emotional week, I woke up yesterday with the lyrics of “I Will Lift My Eyes” humming though my brain.
"I will lift my eyes to the Maker of the mountains I can't climb
I will lift my eyes to the Calmer of the oceans raging wild
I will lift my eyes to the Healer of the hurt I hold inside
I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to You"
Bebo Norman - I Will Lift My Eyes
As I thought about the words to this song, my mind went back to that first Easter morning, when the Angel asked Mary, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:5-6)
So often, when life takes an unexpected turn, we look for answers. Answers to our questions, answers to our circumstances, or answers for a remedy. We “google” for answers. We talk to friends. We check out what’s trending. We watch videos. We listen to podcasts. All in a desperate search for the “What” or the “Why”; something that will help us make sense of what is happening.
The women who first visited the tomb of Jesus were on that same quest. They had witnessed a horrible event and by just going through the burial rituals, were trying to find peace and comfort and maybe even some closure. But when they arrived at the tomb, were confronted with the question that I ask of you today, “Why are you seeking life in dead places?”
Anyone who has walked through a season of grief, loss, hurt, or disappointment will tell you there are no rules. There is no standard of what to expect. There is no timeline. There is no right or wrong way to process your feelings. And there is no prescription that can magically make it go away.
I know that there are things that people do to escape the pain. Things that mask the hurt and provide at best a temporary respite. But those are “dead” things. They won’t bring healing and they definitely won’t bring life.
Psalm 121, verses 1 & 2 are the inspiration for Bebo Norman’s song.
"I 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."
The psalmist knew that the creator of the heavens and earth, the author of life, was the only source of help he could trust. It was only God who could solve his problems and soothe his soul.
Where does YOUR help come from?
Yes, that’s meant to be a rhetorical question. But really, stop and examine your heart. Where do you go to when you are faced with overwhelming circumstances that threaten to take you under?
The world will tell you to stay busy, but busyness is just a distraction. Retailers will tell you that a new gadget or gizmo will make you feel better, but retail Therapy will only create other budget-related problems. Alcohol and Drugs become a merry-go-round that won’t stop to let you off. Sleep will allow you to escape, but inevitably when you wake up your problems are still there. At some point you have to purpose in your heart to stop, be still, and in the words of Casting Crowns, “face the God you know.”
Here and now You can be honest I won't try to promise that someday it all works out 'Cause this is the valley And even now, He is breathing on your dry bones And there will be dancing There will be beauty where beauty was ash and stone This much I know
Oh, my soul, You are not alone There's a place where fear has to face the God you know One more day, He will make a way Let Him show you how, you can lay this down 'Cause you're not alone
Casting Crowns, “Oh My Soul”
If God can calm the stormy sea of Galilee (Mark 4:35-41), feed the five thousand (Mark 14:13-21), heal the brokenhearted (Psalm 147:3) and forgive even the worst of our sins and failures (Isaiah 1:18), then He will walk you through whatever you are facing. He has not abandoned you and you are not alone.
In Mark 10:46-52, we find the account of Bartimaeus.
“Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
Turn your face to God. He has all the answers you are looking for. Open up your Bible. Reach out to other believers for prayer and encouragement. Spend time with Him in prayer. Don’t look for life in dead places. Instead return to the author of life. God is faithful and today he is asking “What do you want me to do for you?”
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