One of the many things I loved when I first joined the military was the calling of cadences. As long as someone was up-to-bat who could really belt them out, I didn’t care how far or to where we’d march. Each one told a story and kept us, well, at least most of us, on the right (correct) foot. You had to keep in mind that it was important to not only stay in step, but to keep your head up and look forward. Doing anything else was sure to ruin a formation, so you needed to listen to what was said, repeat it, keep your head up/eyes forward, and march – all while trusting that the person in front of you was doing the same, and believing that the person leading knew where they were going.

For me, it mirrors what’s needed to follow Christ. One of the many cadences I loved went a little something like this: “Hold your head and hold it high, Charlie Cougars’ passin’ by!” It was our way of letting other companies know we were in the area, we were holding our heads high so you could see just how awesome we looked, and lifting our voices so you could hear how awesome was our sound.

In the book of Psalms, there are many passages that remind us to lift our heads. We’re told to not only lift ours, but to help others do the same. We do so, knowing that the one true God is the foundation needed and always available to do it for us daily.

If you’re going through something today, don’t look down, but lift up your head. It’ll not only lift your spirits, but it’ll put you in position to see others who may have their heads down. Be a shoulder for someone who may have a heavy heart. Ask them what they’re going through, and together, cast your cares upon the one who can relieve your stress and take away your troubles.

READ: Psalm 3:3, 121:1-8

LISTEN: Ricky Dillard, “You’re the Lifter,” https://youtu.be/DEiFiROjI1s