Lift Up Your Head

Psalm 42:5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 62:5-6 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

Romans 5:5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I heard a little snippet of a song on the radio the other day, and it spoke to me in such a visual way: But when I hear You whisper, "Child, lift up your head."  

When children are sad, ashamed, or without hope, their natural body language is to lower their eyes and face; to bow their head, looking downcast. Adults do this, too. Jesus wants to lift up our heads. He puts His gentle hand under our chins, lifts our faces up to Him, and gives us hope. His face shines upon us, and He tells us, Child, lift up your head...  I am enough for You, and I love You. Trust in Me and I will give you peace.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your simple assurances and gentle reminders. I praise You that You are our hope, our peace, and the One who makes us brand new.  Let us remember, when we are sad, ashamed or feeling hopeless, that You are our answer.  You are our hope. You are the One who gives us rest and peace. Thank You, LORD, for gently lifting our heads up to You. Amen.