30 Bible Verses About Looking Up (With Commentary)

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness and forget to look up, to lift our gaze beyond the immediate and seek something greater. The Bible reminds us to direct our attention upwards, to fix our eyes on God and His promises.

These verses serve as a gentle nudge, encouraging us to shift our focus from the temporal to the eternal.

As we look up, we find comfort, guidance, and a renewed perspective. Let’s delve into these verses that remind us to lift our eyes and find solace in the One who holds all things together.

Bible Verses About Looking Up

Psalm 121:1-2

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

When we face challenges or uncertainties, this verse reminds us to look up to the Lord for help and guidance. It emphasizes that our source of strength and assistance comes from Him alone, for He is the Creator of all things.

Isaiah 40:26

“Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.”

This verse invites us to gaze at the vastness of the heavens and marvel at the greatness of God’s creation. By lifting our eyes upward, we are reminded of His immense power and the meticulous care with which He sustains every part of His creation.

Luke 21:28

“When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads because your redemption is drawing near.”

Jesus encourages His disciples to lift up their heads and be hopeful when they witness the signs of His coming and the fulfillment of prophetic events. It signifies an attitude of anticipation and readiness, knowing that our ultimate redemption is approaching.

John 3:14

“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up.”

Here, Jesus refers to the incident in the wilderness where Moses lifted up a bronze snake on a pole to bring healing to the people who were bitten by venomous serpents. Similarly, Jesus foretells His crucifixion, emphasizing that He must be lifted up on the cross to provide salvation and spiritual healing to all who believe in Him.

Psalm 123:1-2

“I lift up my eyes to you, to you who sit enthroned in heaven. As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a female slave look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he shows us his mercy.”

This psalm expresses a humble and expectant posture of looking up to God, recognizing His sovereignty and dependence on His mercy. It compares the way servants look to their masters for direction and provision with our reliance on God’s guidance and compassion.

Psalm 3:3

“But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.”

In times of distress, this verse reminds us that God is our protector and the lifter of our heads. He shields us from harm, brings us comfort, and raises us up from discouragement, restoring our dignity and hope.

2 Chronicles 20:12

“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

When faced with overwhelming circumstances, King Jehoshaphat declared these words in prayer to God. It reflects the humble acknowledgement that our human understanding and resources may fall short, but when we fix our gaze upon God, He can provide wisdom, guidance, and deliverance.

Psalm 25:15

“My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.”

By keeping our eyes fixed on the Lord, we acknowledge our dependence on Him to deliver us from the traps and snares that entangle us. It is an expression of trust in His ability to set us free and guide us on the path of righteousness.

Proverbs 4:25-27

“Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”

This passage encourages us to maintain a focused and unwavering gaze, keeping our eyes fixed on the path of righteousness and wisdom. It emphasizes the importance of discernment and avoiding distractions or temptations that may lead us astray.

Psalm 141:8

“But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord; in you, I take refuge—do not give me over to death.”

As the psalmist faces difficulties, he turns his gaze toward the Lord, seeking refuge and protection. It demonstrates the assurance that God’s presence and deliverance provide security even in the face of adversity.

Isaiah 45:22

“Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.”

This verse contains an invitation and a call to all people to look up to God for salvation. It emphasizes that He alone has the power to save and bring deliverance, and there is no other deity or source of salvation apart from Him.

Luke 18:13

“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’”

In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, this verse portrays the humility of the tax collector as he recognizes his need for mercy and redemption. Although he couldn’t bring himself to lift his eyes upward, his sincere repentance and plea for God’s mercy were heard and honored.

Psalm 40:1-2

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”

This psalm illustrates the experience of waiting upon the Lord in times of distress and being lifted out of a place of despair. It portrays God’s faithfulness to hear our prayers, rescue us from difficult situations, and provide stability and security in His steadfast love.

Psalm 145:15

“The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.”

Here, the psalmist acknowledges God as the ultimate provider for all living creatures. It highlights the truth that all creation, from the tiniest to the greatest, depends on God’s provision and sustenance.

Hebrews 12:2

“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

This verse encourages believers to fix their gaze on Jesus, who serves as the ultimate example of faithfulness and endurance. Despite the hardships He faced, Jesus remained focused on the joy and ultimate victory that awaited Him, serving as an inspiration for us to persevere in our own journey of faith.

Psalm 119:18

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.”

The psalmist prays for God to open his eyes, not only to perceive the truths within God’s law but also to recognize and appreciate the wondrous and transformative power contained within His Word.

Luke 24:31

“Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.”

This verse recounts the encounter of two disciples with the resurrected Jesus on the road to Emmaus. It highlights the transformative power of having one’s eyes opened to recognize Jesus’ presence and revelation, leading to a deeper understanding of His truth.

Psalm 119:37

“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.”

The psalmist acknowledges the tendency to be distracted by meaningless and futile pursuits. In this plea, he asks God to redirect his focus toward what is truly valuable and life-giving—God’s Word and His purposes.

Isaiah 26:3

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.”

This verse conveys the promise of God’s peace for those who maintain a steadfast and unwavering trust in Him. By keeping our minds focused on God, we can experience the tranquility and assurance that comes from relying on His faithfulness.

Matthew 14:30-31

“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’”

During the account of Jesus walking on water, Peter demonstrates the consequence of shifting his focus away from Jesus. When he looked at the storm around him, fear and doubt overwhelmed him. Yet, as soon as he refocused his gaze on Jesus, he found rescue and stability.

Psalm 119:105

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

This verse portrays the Word of God as a guiding light that illuminates our path, providing direction and wisdom in times of uncertainty. It emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s guidance through His Word.

2 Corinthians 4:18

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

This verse encourages believers to look beyond the temporary and visible things of this world and instead focus on the eternal promises and realities that God has prepared for His children. It reminds us to prioritize the eternal values and treasures of the Kingdom of God.

Acts 7:55

“But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.”

Even in the face of persecution and imminent death, Stephen, the first Christian martyr, fixed his gaze on heaven. By doing so, he was granted a supernatural vision of God’s glory and the exalted presence of Jesus, reinforcing his unwavering faith and giving him courage.

Psalm 145:16

“You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.”

This verse highlights God’s provision and generosity toward all His creation. It signifies the importance of relying on Him to meet our needs and recognizing His faithfulness in satisfying the desires of our hearts.

Luke 6:20-23

“Looking at his disciples, he said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy because great is your reward in heaven.’”

In this passage, commonly known as the Beatitudes, Jesus directs the attention of His followers to the eternal blessings awaiting those who suffer for His sake. By looking beyond present circumstances and placing hope in the rewards of heaven, believers can find joy and reassurance in the face of adversity.

Psalm 34:5

“Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”

This verse illustrates the transformation that occurs when individuals turn their gaze toward God. By seeking His face and relying on Him, they experience a radiant and confident countenance, free from the burden of shame and guilt.

Philippians 3:20

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

As believers, our true citizenship is in heaven, and this verse reminds us to direct our focus and anticipation toward the return of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing the values and priorities of God’s Kingdom.

Psalm 33:18

“But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.”

This verse assures us that God’s watchful eyes are upon those who reverence and honor Him. Those who place their hope in His steadfast love can find comfort in the knowledge that He sees them and is attentive to their needs.

Mark 10:27

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.’”

In this verse, Jesus reminds His disciples that human limitations and obstacles are no match for God’s power and ability. By fixing our gaze on the limitless possibilities and faithfulness of God, we can approach challenges with confidence and trust in His providence.

Psalm 119:82

“My eyes are worn out looking for your promise; I say, ‘When will you comfort me?’”

This verse reflects the longing and anticipation of the psalmist for the fulfillment of God’s promises. It expresses a sincere desire for the comfort and reassurance that comes from the faithfulness of God.