Eyes Up
Eyes up, Ears open, and Heart prepped.
The longer I live, the more I believe that the greatest enemy of a victorious Christian life is passivity. - Charles Swindoll
Usually, a place of passivity stems from a place of insecurity, anger, sadness, and even weariness. It’s when we allow things to happen to us because we have made a choice to not actively be involved. Living in a place of passivity can produce a false sense of safety and becomes a place where fear, unbelief, and control can enter our minds.
One of David's most memorable writings is Psalm 23.
Read: Psalm 23
Journal: Reflect and write down a time when you felt protected and comforted by the Lord in a difficult situation or season.
I have often thought about David, the youngest son of eight, who was tending to the sheep and goats in the field. In 1 Samuel 16, Jesse offered up all of his sons to be chosen to serve in King Saul’s court, except his youngest son, David.
However, David was tending to the sheep and goats when he was called and anointed by Samuel. Surprised was probably an understatement of how David felt when he was chosen.
Don’t despise the fields of preparation. This is the place where you will learn, succeed, make mistakes, be challenged, and also grow in wisdom for the next step or season. David spent a lot of time in the field praying and talking to God. He also wrote many of the Psalms while tending sheep in the field. David was being prepared and equipped to answer the call of God on his life. He had no idea he would go on to serve in Saul’s court, face a giant, battle in war, stay back in passivity from war, and then fall into sin with Basheba. David lost focus when he became weary and distracted in his day-to-day life.
Our eyes can wander, our ears can be tickled, and our hearts can lead us astray. Guarding our hearts, turning to the Lord, and seeking wise counsel can help us when we feel alone, distracted, and doubtful.
King Solomon said it best: “Above all else, guard your heart, for it determines the course of your life." - Proverbs 4:23 NLT
With eyes up, ears open, and a prepared heart, David served in Saul’s court and continued to help his family as a shepherd. A shepherd never fully abandoned his position. He was humble, responsible, and confident in the Lord who called him.
For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. - Romans 11:29-31
Activation: When overwhelmed by thoughts of the past, present, or future, say aloud to the Lord, “ Jesus, my eyes are up, my ears are open and my heart needs you.” When we speak aloud His name, we put the enemy on notice.
Prayer:
Lord , Speak to me in the field and give me fresh eyes to see. Help me make space and have a keen awareness of Your presence and grace. Surround me with people who can encourage me and give me guidance when I feel alone and discouraged. I don’t want to shrink back or doubt Your Word. Give me the courage to move when you say move and the patience to stand still when you say, “ Be still.”
The longer I live, the more I believe that the greatest enemy of a victorious Christian life is passivity. - Charles Swindoll
Usually, a place of passivity stems from a place of insecurity, anger, sadness, and even weariness. It’s when we allow things to happen to us because we have made a choice to not actively be involved. Living in a place of passivity can produce a false sense of safety and becomes a place where fear, unbelief, and control can enter our minds.
One of David's most memorable writings is Psalm 23.
Read: Psalm 23
Journal: Reflect and write down a time when you felt protected and comforted by the Lord in a difficult situation or season.
I have often thought about David, the youngest son of eight, who was tending to the sheep and goats in the field. In 1 Samuel 16, Jesse offered up all of his sons to be chosen to serve in King Saul’s court, except his youngest son, David.
However, David was tending to the sheep and goats when he was called and anointed by Samuel. Surprised was probably an understatement of how David felt when he was chosen.
Don’t despise the fields of preparation. This is the place where you will learn, succeed, make mistakes, be challenged, and also grow in wisdom for the next step or season. David spent a lot of time in the field praying and talking to God. He also wrote many of the Psalms while tending sheep in the field. David was being prepared and equipped to answer the call of God on his life. He had no idea he would go on to serve in Saul’s court, face a giant, battle in war, stay back in passivity from war, and then fall into sin with Basheba. David lost focus when he became weary and distracted in his day-to-day life.
Our eyes can wander, our ears can be tickled, and our hearts can lead us astray. Guarding our hearts, turning to the Lord, and seeking wise counsel can help us when we feel alone, distracted, and doubtful.
King Solomon said it best: “Above all else, guard your heart, for it determines the course of your life." - Proverbs 4:23 NLT
With eyes up, ears open, and a prepared heart, David served in Saul’s court and continued to help his family as a shepherd. A shepherd never fully abandoned his position. He was humble, responsible, and confident in the Lord who called him.
For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. - Romans 11:29-31
Activation: When overwhelmed by thoughts of the past, present, or future, say aloud to the Lord, “ Jesus, my eyes are up, my ears are open and my heart needs you.” When we speak aloud His name, we put the enemy on notice.
Prayer:
Lord , Speak to me in the field and give me fresh eyes to see. Help me make space and have a keen awareness of Your presence and grace. Surround me with people who can encourage me and give me guidance when I feel alone and discouraged. I don’t want to shrink back or doubt Your Word. Give me the courage to move when you say move and the patience to stand still when you say, “ Be still.”
No Comments