This year, my focus is on two simple yet profound words: “look up.” Initially, these words served as a lighthearted reminder while playing a number game on my phone. I often needed to remind myself to glance at the top row of numbers to avoid missing anything. However, “look up” has recently taken on a deeper, spiritual significance for me, reminding me to fix my eyes on Jesus.
I tend to dwell on things I can’t change, replaying past words, actions, or imagined scenarios in my mind. Sometimes, I get stuck in negative thinking, unable to shift to a more positive perspective or understand things from someone else’s viewpoint. At times, I feel isolated in my struggles or believe that God doesn’t want me to be happy. There are moments when my comfort zone holds me back, preventing me from taking action. It’s all too easy to create our own problems.
One night, unable to sleep at 3 a.m., I found myself overwhelmed by a whirlwind of thoughts. Frustrated, I silently cried out to Jesus for help. His response? “Look up, child! I’ve got this!” I smiled, recalling my numbers game and Lauren Daigle’s song, “Look Up Child.”
This message echoes the words in Colossians 3, particularly verses 1-4 from The Message paraphrase:
“So, if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective (emphasis added).
Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you’ll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.”
Reading this passage reminds me how often I forget to “look up”—to fix my eyes on Jesus and move away from the things that hold me back. I want to be free from thoughts and feelings that enslave me to worldly distractions and instead focus on joining God in holy activities. I seek a new perspective, one that sees life through God’s eyes, freeing me from resentment, anger, and the need for recognition. I long to find joy in serving selflessly.
I recognize my weakness and tendency to succumb to selfishness, getting upset over trivial matters or stubbornly insisting on my way. Yet, I aspire to do better, knowing I need the Holy Spirit’s help. I need constant reminders to “look up,” to lift my gaze from self-pity and see the goodness in others, especially those closest to me who may sometimes test my patience. I need God’s strength to serve with generosity and love, expecting nothing in return.
This year, I hope to continually hear God’s gentle reminder to “look up,” transforming into the person God intends me to be. I want to see life from God’s perspective, seeking God’s gifts and allowing God’s presence to dwell within me, enabling my life to flourish for the benefit of others, as well as myself.
“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.” —Psalm 121:1-2
An Invitation…
Enneagram coaching can be a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation, complementing the spiritual journey of learning to "look up." By understanding one's unique personality type and core motivations through the Enneagram, individuals can gain deeper insights into the patterns that keep them stuck in negative thinking or self-pity. This self-awareness can help in recognizing the specific ways we get distracted from God's perspective. Through Enneagram coaching, we can align our actions with our true values and purpose, making it easier to lift our gaze and see life through God’s eyes.