I Lift Up My Eyes to the Hills

A Reflection for Saturday, February 28 By Rev. Oreon K. Trickey

Lectionary Reading for 2/28/2026: Psalm 121; Isaiah 51:1-3; 2 Timothy 1:3-7

Selected passage: Psalm 121

Read

Psalm 121 - New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—

  from where will my help come?

2 My help comes from the Lord,

  who made heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot be moved;

  he who keeps you will not slumber.

4 He who keeps Israel

  will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord is your keeper;

  the Lord is your shade at your right hand.

6 The sun shall not strike you by day

  nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will keep you from all evil;

  he will keep your life.

8 The Lord will keep

  your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.

Reflect

For many of us, Lent is a season of inward focus and reflection, taking inventory of our souls, our discipleship, and our lives. In a perfect world, setting aside one of our usual daily pleasures would help us be less distracted and better focus on how we are really doing at our core. This is a valuable process that creates opportunities for healing and transformation. 

But looking inward can also make us a little too self-absorbed. Yes, in one sense, this is all about our plunging into the shadows of Lent in preparation for the light of Easter. Of owning our stuff, coming clean to ourselves and to God. Of opening up in new ways to who we can be as followers of Jesus. 

At the same time, a sense of spiritual balance is needed. 

Psalm 121 offers a helpful perspective on our Lenten experience. As we look inward, we also look upward. We lift up our eyes and see all that God is and all that God does for us. To allow the Lord to keep us in the midst of our Lenten experience. (Note that the word “keep” is used six times in this short Psalm.) 

Lent is not just about us being alone in dealing with our stuff; it’s about walking with our God and partnering together towards transformation. 

Respond

Read through Psalm 121 three times, slowly, section by section. 

Pause between each section and invite God to show you how God is keeping you today and in this season of Lent.

Rest

Keeper God, please give me the faith and trust that you are indeed with me, keeping me as I seek to bring my darkest failings and frailties into Your light. Help me to rest in your power to stay with me and see me through this season, to help me, heal me, grow me, and lead me toward Resurrection. Amen. 

About the Author

A longtime Chicago resident, Oreon is a seasoned urban ministry practitioner, spiritual director, retreat facilitator, and Enneagram consultant. She plays a mean blues guitar, loves to laugh deeply, and appreciates a serious cup of coffee. @oreont

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