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These things Jesus spoke; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, ‘Father …'” – John 17:1
I’ve never been tall, but it was still an unusual sensation when each of my sons surpassed my height. Now I look up to them and sometimes reminisce about their younger years … when they looked up to me.
Isn’t it sweet to picture a child’s eyes looking up at you? Their trusting gaze warms the soul and communicates their dependence. Children are born with an innate ability to place themselves in their parent’s hands and rest in their care. As long as Mom or Dad has everything under control, all’s right with the world.
After reading John 17 yesterday morning, the Holy Spirit gave me a picture of our Lord Jesus Christ–face upturned, eyes fixed on the heavens. He couldn’t see His Father with physical eyes. Yet He knew He was there. His Father’s presence soothed and strengthened Him.
Jesus was preparing to go to the cross. If ever there was a time when He needed His Father, it was then. He’d spent His life trusting in and depending on Him, so prayer at that moment came quite naturally. It exemplified the way He normally operated.
What are we preparing for today? Are we–like Jesus–lifting our eyes heavenward and calling upon our Father? Or are the blinders of self-dependence and selfish intent hindering our view?
Our Father can easily handle whatever we face. He knows our hearts and hears our cries. He lovingly listens and wisely directs. May we release our responsibilities and cares, our sufferings and joys, our plans and dreams–everything!–into His hands. May we expand our horizons to see His work all around us today.
As we lift our eyes to heaven, Father is there. He has everything under control. Let’s trust Him, depend on Him, and willingly drink whatever cup He’s given to us.
“Jesus therefore said to Peter, ‘Put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?'” – John 18:11
