When Life Feels Too Heavy:

A Prayerful Reflection on Lifting Our Eyes to the Keeper of Our Souls

Introduction

Some days are heavier than others, and today (indeed, September 11th) is no exception this year.

These reflections poured out after reading Scripture this morning, my own “psalm balm” (based on Psalm 121 and Revelation 22), seeking hope and help when the world gets too heavy.

Longing for the Leaves

LORD!

It feels so heavy down here,  
Too heavy for us to carry.  
When hearts bleed onto pages  
And joy retreats to the mountains,  
Sleep becomes elusive and  
Hope disappoints. . .  
Help!

I lift my eyes above the mountains—  
Where our help comes from:  
Our help comes from You,  
The Maker of Heaven and Earth,  
The Keeper of our souls,  
The Guardian of our coming and going.  
You’re not asleep!  
And You’re unchanging, forevermore.  

And yet, Lord,  
When we pray, “Your will be done,  
On earth as it is in heaven.”  
Our vision is short-sighted;  
We forget what all this means!  
It’s not OUR will but YOURS that’s to be done.  
It’s not happiness that You seek down here;  
BUT salvation,  
And joy from Your promise of eternity.  

Whatever means You choose to use,  
You will allow.  
Persecution is coming—indeed, it is here.  
We need to expect it, to be ready.  
But more importantly, we need to be about Your business,  
Helping, reminding, and speaking Your words.  

Bless us, O Lord, as we struggle with  
Our own thoughts and emotions.  
Restore to us the joy of our salvation,  
Help us lift our eyes to heaven,  
And comfort us in our grief.  
For You alone, Lord, are Keeper of the answers.  
Of that, we can be certain!  
And You alone are our Comfort,  
The One who holds us fast.  

Speak to us, Lord, for we are listening!  
Open our eyes and ears to see and hear;  
Turn these evils into good,  
And let your kingdom come!  
Help us, Lord!  
To bear up under the heaviness,  
To carry Your eternal hope to those around us,  
To avoid despair and instead  
Bring comfort, peace, and joy as we wait.  
For You ARE on the move,  
And we are called to follow.  

Come quickly, Lord Jesus,  
For our world so needs You,  
And we long for the leaves  
From the Tree of Life  
That will bring healing to the nations.

Praying together, for hope and help.

Let’s Encourage One Another

Have you turned to Scripture today for your help, hope, and encouragement? How has God met you there? We’d love to hear, as we encourage each other along.

For Reflection: You Get the Glory by Jonathan Traylor

Photos by 1) May Yue on Unsplash and 2) Nathan Dunlao on Unsplash