I did a funeral of a young man last year. It was a real tragedy with many questions that might never get answered. Answers and hope at a time like this can only come from God. We need to look (up) and listen (obediently) to the Lord.
At times like these we must look to God through His Word for direction, hope, and comfort. In Psalm 88 the
psalmist begins with his eyes looking up for help.
Lord, you are the God who
saves me;
day and night I cry
out to you.
May my prayer come before you;
turn your ear to my cry.
Then he looks at the world and starts
his lament.
I am overwhelmed with
troubles and my life draws near
to death. I am counted among
those who go down to the pit; I am like one without strength. I
am set apart with the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom you remember no
more, who are cut off from
your care. You have taken from me
my closest friends and have made me repulsive to them. I am confined and
cannot escape; my eyes are
dim with grief. Why, Lord,
do you reject me and hide your face from me?
Then he looks back up from where our help
really comes from.
I cry to you for help, Lord; in the morning my prayer
comes before you.
How's your life? ...
Are you looking up for your help or looking
out? ...
Are
you listening?
