I about had church the other day when I went running. Typically I listen to up-beat, redeemed rap-like music when I lace up my shoes. But on this particular morning, I had all of my music shuffling.

 

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As I approached the part of my route where I always consider giving up and crawling home, “How Great Thou Art” came blasting through my ear buds. (Just after Lecrae, which makes it oh-so-right.)

Anyway, as it reached that third verse I could barely contain myself. Thinking on the greatness of my God sent my legs into a whole new gear. I took off up that dreaded hill with endurance — panting and singing and panting and singing. (Sorta singing. You wouldn’t have actually wanted to hear it.)

 

Discouraged to Encouraged

Because the truth is, the difference between running this life race discouraged versus encouraged is vision.

If I keep looking at and analyzing the mountain in front of me, nearly every time I end up discouraged. Because some things seem absolutely impossible to overcome or redeem.

But when I turn my eyes to Him and think on what He says, new strength rises up. New courage empowers my legs to run faster and further. The difference is vision. The difference is faith.

 

I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
Psalm 121:1-3

 

So who is this God?

• He’s the One who does impossible things. (Luke 1:37)
• He’s the One who speaks worlds into existence. (Genesis 1:3)
• He’s the One who gives sight to the blind. (John 9:25)
• He’s the One who turns hearts where He wills. (Proverbs 21:1)
• He’s the One who loves beyond all reason and dies to redeem His children. (Romans 6:23)
• He’s the One who reigns secure and rules supreme. (Isaiah 40:25-26)
• He’s my Daddy-God — faithful and fighting on my behalf. (Galatians 4:6)

It’s our vision. This day let’s choose to set our eyes on Him rather than on that seemingly impossible thing ahead. Because He’s God. And He’s able.

 
Fill me, Lord…

What aspects of your God do you need to remember to “look upon” today?