In Psalms 123 What Does It Mean To Lift Our Eyes To The Lord In Our Times Of Trouble?
Understanding Psalm 123: Lifting Our Eyes to the Lord in Times of Trouble
Psalm 123 is a short but powerful psalm in the collection known as the “Songs of Ascents” (Psalms 120–134 ASV). These psalms were sung by worshipers traveling up to Jerusalem for the great festivals, expressing longing, dependence, and hope in God. Psalm 123 invites us to reflect deeply on what it means to “lift our eyes” to the Lord, especially during seasons of distress.
The Text of Psalm 123
Unto thee do I lift up mine eyes, O thou that sittest in the heavens. Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes look unto Jehovah our God, until he have mercy upon us. Have mercy upon us, O Jehovah, have mercy upon us; For we are exceedingly filled with contempt. Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scoffing of those that are at ease, And with the contempt of the proud. - Psalm 123:1-4 ASV
The Meaning of “Lifting Our Eyes to the Lord”
The phrase “I lift up mine eyes” in Psalm 123:1 is a poetic way of expressing dependence, hope, and expectation. To lift our eyes to God is to look away from our own resources and circumstances, and to focus our attention, trust, and longing upon the Lord, who sits enthroned in heaven. It is a gesture of humility and surrender, acknowledging our need and God’s sufficiency.
- Dependence and Expectation: The psalmist uses the imagery of servants looking to their masters and maids to their mistresses (Psalm 123:2). In ancient times, servants depended entirely on their masters for provision, guidance, and protection. Likewise, believers are called to depend fully on God, looking to Him for mercy and help.
- Humility: Lifting our eyes is an act of humility, recognizing our inability to save ourselves. As the psalmist cries out, “Have mercy upon us, O Jehovah,” it reflects a heart that knows its desperate need (Psalm 123:3).
- Persevering Faith: The phrase “until he have mercy upon us” shows persistence and steadfastness in prayer, waiting on God’s timing and intervention.
Application: Turning to God in Our Own Troubles
When we face ridicule, contempt, or overwhelming challenges, Psalm 123 teaches us to adopt a posture of upward focus. Rather than becoming consumed by our troubles or looking inward for solutions, we are called to look up—fixing our eyes on the Lord, the source of mercy and hope.
This upward gaze is echoed throughout Scripture:
I will lift up mine eyes unto the mountains: From whence shall my help come? My help cometh from Jehovah, Who made heaven and earth. - Psalm 121:1-2 ASV
looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:2 ASV
In the gospel, we see that our greatest need—salvation from sin—can only be met by looking to Christ in faith. Our daily struggles, too, are meant to drive us to Him in dependent trust. The act of lifting our eyes is both a cry for help and a declaration that our hope is in God alone.
Practical Steps to “Lift Our Eyes”
- Pray Honestly: Bring your troubles to God, telling Him your needs and asking for mercy, as the psalmist does.
- Recall God’s Character: Remember that God is enthroned in the heavens, sovereign and compassionate (Psalm 115:3 ASV).
- Wait on Him: Trust in God’s timing. Persevere in hope, knowing He hears and answers prayer.
- Fix Your Eyes on Jesus: In every season, focus on Christ, who endured suffering and now reigns as Lord.
Conclusion
To “lift our eyes to the Lord” is to look up in faith, hope, and humility, seeking God’s mercy in times of trouble. It is a call to trust in His sovereign goodness, to persist in prayer, and to center our hearts on Christ, our Redeemer and helper.