Faith Lift Me Up

“Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings.” Psalm 63:7

The song “Up Where We Belong” was released in 1982, recorded by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes. Written by Jack Nitzsche, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and Will Jennings, the Grammy Award-winning song mirrors elements of Solomon’s dilemma regarding the futility of life as found in the Book of Ecclesiastes. The song reflects, “Who knows what tomorrow brings, in a world few hearts survive.” The irony is that in the despair of futility, the writers also conclude that there is nothing more in life beyond self. Listen to these lyrics, “Some hang on to used to be, live their lives looking behind, all we have is here and now.” Here and now? Praise God that the here and now is not our final destination. All we have is yet to be. The glorious promise of eternal life in the presence of God ought to lift us up into the stratosphere! While lyrics can often be open to interpretation, I could not help but be drawn to the lyrics, “Love lift us up where we belong, far from the world below.” Isn’t this our passion and hope? That our faith in the unwavering love of Jesus Christ lifts us up to our rightful place beside our Lord? That we live for the promise of our future above, while keeping ourselves from being trapped here on earth below? It’s easy to get caught up in the emotions and drama of this life. We forget that this life is temporal as we sometimes live precariously, as if this is all there is. God doesn’t want you to live according to the dictates of your emotions. He calls you to live by faith. (2 Corinthians 5:7). Your emotions are susceptible to every negative thing going on around you, but your faith can lift you above and give you victory. Faith must be exercised; you can’t just sit down, do nothing and expect a faith infusion. Your passivity gives your emotions the right to rule you. Emotions have no power over you, except the power you give them. One of the best ways to lift your spirit is by reflecting on the truth of scripture found in the great hymns of the faith. From the victory of Christ’s resurrection sung in “Lift High the Cross” to the moving portrayal of the passion of Christ sung in “Lamb of God,” truth in hymns can move you from futility to faith. Let your Lord lift you up where you belong; in His presence.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, I place this world behind me, Your cross before me, as I come praising You in Jesus’ Name, Amen.