I have met people who look down all the time. I knew a Pastor who when he preached never looked at the people due to a traumatic experience in his life. I felt bad for him. It is time to make eye contact with the Lord. It is time for his church to stop looking down and looking up to Christ.  

He says to her, “Let me see your face, Let me hear your voice; For your voice is sweet, And your face is lovely.” (Song 2:14). Look to Christ when you are depressed and, “be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:24).  

Lift up your eyes to the Son of God when you are anxious, he can quiet down the storms on outside and the fear on the inside. Lift up your eyes to Jesus on the Cross when you feel guilty and ashamed and see him bleeding to forgive your sins.

What will happen when I look up. You will see his face. His smiling face.  Have you not heard over and over again in the Benediction “May the LORD bless you and protect you; may the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you.” (Num 6:24-25)?  You have his blessing, favor and love. God says, “When they were discouraged, I smiled at them. My look of approval was precious to them.” (Job 29:24).  Many people in Shepherd of the Valley are saying, “Who will show us better times?” Let your face smile on us, Lord. (Ps 4:6)   When King Jesus smiles at you, “there is life; his favor refreshes like a spring rain.” (Prov 16:15).  God is going to give you your smile back, “The help of my countenance and my God.” (Psalm 42:11; 43:5). You have been so sad, Oh my friend you will smile again.