As you add up all of these factors, you can imagine that I lost my footing numerous times. I would slip, and a couple times fell. This made me focus intently on where I was walking. There might be a branch or a rock under the leaves that would make me trip. Walking along the face of a hill, the leaves made it slippery. I would have to look intently at the ground to try to get sure footing. Remember, I also had two energetic dogs on a leash, pulling me in different directions at the same time.

Next thing you know I am on the ground, my head hurts and my arm hurts. I had been focusing so much on the ground that I failed to see the low branch that hit my head. I immediately fell backwards and hurt my arm trying to brace my fall. I let go of the dogs and had to call to my friends to get them. As I got up, I had to bend my glasses back in to shape. I had a pretty good knot on my head and was embarrassed. My focus had been downward. I needed to "look up."

Sometimes we focus on our problems so much that we take our eyes off of God. He can help us through our difficult times. He can give us strength. He can comfort us and give us direction.

In your time of need, "look up!"

If all we do is look down, we are bound to stumble and fall. We can’t live by our own strength. The great prophet reminded God's people to look to Him, not others:

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many, And in horsemen because they are very strong, but who do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the LORD! (Isaiah 31:1 NKJV).

The Marriage Builder by Larry Crabb An all-new discussion guide has been added to this marriage-enrichment classic.

Mike is a pastor and writer for a number of online publications.

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