What a beautiful verse! It's so poetic and weaves such an elaborate picture in my mind, especially that last phrase: "the lifter up of mine head." I don't know about you, but sometimes life gets me down. There are some days where I just can't shake the blues no matter how hard I try. This downcast spirit is often a result of a trying situation or circumstance that creeps (and sometimes elbows) its way into my life. But sometimes, all it takes to get me down is to look around at my life and say, "Is this it? Is this as good as it gets? This isn't quite what I had in mind?"
Don't get me wrong. I have a good life. I've been blessed with a wonderful husband, a precious pup, a loving family and a Bible-believing church. I live in relatively good health with food to eat and a place to sleep. I have truly been blessed. But there are still things I would change if I could. For starters, I would boost my writing career and promote myself out of the "starving artist" phase. This change alone would allow my husband to leave his job and seek employment that he truly enjoys, no matter the pay. This dream job of mine would come complete with the perfect salary to meet our needs and still have a little money left over for a rainy day, vacation, savings, and/or emergency fund. Sounds nice, doesn't it? I'm sure you have some dreams of your own. And it can be disappointing and discouraging to look around and see that those dreams still seem so far away.
When I'm truly down and discouraged, I'm prone to hang my head. Why? Because I know if I make eye contact with anyone, I'm going to cry, and I don't mean trickle a few tears. I mean CRY! You know sobs and snot everywhere cry! (Pretty picture, huh?) But you see, Jason knows my little secret. He knows why I won't look at him, but he also knows that I won't feel right again until I release all those negative emotions. And the best way for me to do that is to have a good cry. So, in the most loving way, he places his hand under my chin and lifts my head until I'm looking him in the eye. The look of love I see in his face brings me to tears, and within minutes, my burden is lifted and my spirit is renewed.
As I read the phrase "the lifter up of mine head", this is the picture that comes to mind. I imagine God reaching down to me in my saddened state and lovingly placing His hand under my chin. His lifts my face to His and whispers, "It's okay, child. I'm here. Go ahead and cry. You can even use my shoulder if you need to. Just don't look away. Look at me. I can bring back your joy." What a picture! What a blessing! What a privilege to be the child of such a loving Father.
Does life have you down today? Are you feeling discouraged or disappointed? Is your head hanging low in sorrow and sadness? If so, allow Jesus to be the lifter up of your head. Look to Him, and find peace in His loving embrace. He'll dry your tears and remind you of the many reasons you have to smile. Remember, weeping may endure for a night, but joy WILL come in the morning!
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