Overcoming When Overwhelmed: Look Up | Journey Church Online (Oct. 26, 2025)

Devotional

Day 1: Look Up—Shifting Our Focus from Problems to Christ

When life feels overwhelming and our gaze is fixed on our troubles, it’s easy to become weighed down by discouragement and despair. But when we intentionally look up, we shift our focus from what’s wrong to the One who reigns over all. Looking up doesn’t mean ignoring reality; it means reframing our perspective to see God’s sovereignty and faithfulness in every circumstance. As we lift our heads, we remember that our redemption is near and that Jesus is coming back, giving us hope and strength to persevere. [47:40]

Luke 21:25-28 (ESV)
“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you’ve been looking down in discouragement? How can you intentionally “look up” today and invite God’s perspective into that situation?

Day 2: God Knows the End from the Beginning

God is not limited by time—He knows your past, present, and future, and He has already written the ending of your story. Even when life feels uncertain or out of control, you can rest in the assurance that God is in this for the long haul and will accomplish His purposes in your life. He created you to be an overcomer and desires your success, using every circumstance—good, bad, or ugly—to shape you into the person He designed you to be. [57:24]

Isaiah 46:9-10 (The Message)
“I am God, the only God you’ve had or ever will have— incomparable, irreplaceable— From the very beginning telling you what the ending will be, All along letting you in on what is going to happen, Assuring you, ‘I’m in this for the long haul, I’ll do exactly what I set out to do.’”

Reflection: In what ways does knowing that God has already written your ending change how you approach today’s challenges or uncertainties?

Day 3: God Uses Everything for Your Good and His Purpose

No matter what you face, God is working all things together for your good and His glory. He has chosen you, called you, and is using every part of your journey to make you more like Jesus. Even your mistakes and hardships are not wasted in His hands. Instead of rehearsing your problems, rehearse His promises and trust that He is shaping you for a purpose greater than you can imagine. [59:54]

Romans 8:28-30 (ESV)
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”

Reflection: What is one difficult situation in your life that you can begin to see as something God might use to shape you into the image of Christ?

Day 4: Waiting with Expectancy—Our True Home Is in Heaven

As believers, we are citizens of heaven, waiting eagerly for Jesus’ return and the fulfillment of all God’s promises. This world is not our home, and our waiting is not passive but filled with hope and eager expectation. Even as we long for the day when all things are made new, we can live with joy and purpose now, knowing that our future is secure and glorious in Christ. [01:08:48]

Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV)
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.”

Reflection: What is one way you can remind yourself today that your true citizenship is in heaven, and how might that change your attitude or actions?

Day 5: Living for Eternity—Making Heaven Crowded

When we live with eternity in mind, our priorities shift from earthly pursuits to what truly matters: loving God and loving people. Our mission is to share the hope of Jesus and invest in relationships, knowing that people are the only thing we can take with us to heaven. Let’s live with no reserves, no retreats, and no regrets, making every day count for Christ and seeking to make heaven crowded with those we love and serve. [01:15:18]

Revelation 21:1-5 (ESV)
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.’ And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’”

Reflection: Who is one person in your life that you can intentionally love, serve, or share Jesus with this week, so that you are living with eternity in mind?

Sermon Summary

Life can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to let our gaze fall to the ground, weighed down by the burdens and anxieties of this world. But we are called to look up—to shift our focus from our circumstances to the hope and promise found in Jesus Christ. When we look up, our perspective changes. We remember that our story is not defined by the struggles we face, but by the victory Christ has already secured for us. The end of the story is already written: Jesus wins, and because of Him, we are overcomers.

Looking up is not about ignoring reality or pretending that pain and hardship don’t exist. Instead, it’s about reframing our reality in light of God’s sovereignty and His promises. God knows the end from the beginning. He is present in our past, our present, and our future, working all things together for our good and shaping us into the image of Christ. Even when life doesn’t make sense, we can trust that He is using every moment—good, bad, and ugly—to bring us to the place He has prepared for us.

We are not called to live in fear of what’s to come, but to live with confidence and expectancy. Jesus is coming back, and that truth should fill us with hope and anticipation. Our waiting is not passive; it is filled with purpose. We wait for the fulfillment of God’s promises, for reconciliation, for healing, and ultimately for the day when we will see Him face to face. This world is not our home. We are citizens of heaven, and our hearts should long for eternity with Him.

But as we look up and set our eyes on eternity, we are also reminded of our mission here on earth. Our purpose is to love God and love people, to live with urgency and compassion, and to make heaven crowded. The only thing we can take with us into eternity is people—our relationships, our acts of love, and the lives we touch with the gospel. Let us live with no reserves, no retreats, and no regrets, fully surrendered to God’s call and eager for His return.

Key Takeaways

1. Looking up changes our focus When we intentionally lift our eyes from our problems to God’s promises, our perspective shifts from despair to hope. We stop being consumed by what’s wrong and start remembering who reigns. This act of looking up doesn’t deny our struggles, but it reframes them in the light of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness. [47:40]
2. God is present in every part of our story God is not limited by time; He is already in our past, present, and future. He knows the end from the beginning and is committed to bringing us to the expected end He has for us. Even our failures and hardships are woven into His redemptive plan, shaping us into the people He created us to be. [58:38]
3. Waiting with expectancy is an act of faith Our waiting is not empty or passive; it is filled with hope and purpose. We wait for God’s promises to be fulfilled, for healing, for restoration, and ultimately for Christ’s return. This expectancy keeps our hearts anchored in hope, even when the world around us is uncertain. [64:37]
4. Living for eternity transforms our priorities When we see life through the lens of eternity, our values and actions change. We realize that relationships and sharing the love of Christ are what truly matter. Our mission becomes clear: to love God, love people, and make heaven crowded, living each day with urgency and purpose. [75:18]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[42:13] - Introduction and Greetings
[43:09] - Series Recap: Overcoming When Overwhelmed
[44:32] - Today’s Focus: Looking Up
[45:06] - The Weight of Life and Looking Down
[46:16] - Story: The Single Mom and Her Son
[47:40] - Looking Up Changes Our Focus
[48:05] - Jesus’ Words on the End Times
[50:29] - Eschatology and Our Perspective
[52:25] - Facing Fears About the Future
[54:48] - Living Confidently in a Dark World
[56:38] - God Knows the End from the Beginning
[59:24] - God Uses Everything for Our Good
[63:28] - Practical Ways to Look Up
[64:37] - Waiting with Expectancy
[68:11] - Our True Home: Citizens of Heaven
[72:25] - Living for Eternity
[75:59] - The Story of Bill Borden
[78:08] - Living with the Lens of Eternity
[79:58] - The Only Way: Jesus Christ
[83:29] - Worship and Looking Up
[91:02] - Final Blessing and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Luke 21:25-28 (ESV) — > “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Romans 8:28-30 (ESV) — > “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”

Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV) — > “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.”

Observation Questions

In Luke 21:25-28, what does Jesus tell his followers to do when they see troubling signs in the world? How does he describe their posture and focus? [48:05]
According to Romans 8:28-30, what is God’s purpose for using all things in our lives, both good and bad? [59:24]
In Philippians 3:20-21, what does Paul say about our true citizenship and what we are waiting for? [01:08:11]
The sermon mentioned that “looking up changes our focus.” What are some examples from the sermon of how focusing on God’s promises instead of our problems can shift our perspective? [47:40]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus tells his followers to “look up” and “lift up your heads” when things get difficult, instead of focusing on the chaos around them? [48:05]
The sermon says that God is present in our past, present, and future, and is working all things together for our good. How might this truth affect the way someone views their current struggles or failures? [58:38]
The idea of “waiting with expectancy” was described as an act of faith, not just passive waiting. What does it look like to wait for God’s promises with hope and purpose, even when answers seem far away? [01:04:37]
The sermon talked about living for eternity and making heaven crowded. How does seeing life through the lens of eternity change the way someone might treat their relationships and daily priorities? [01:15:18]

Application Questions

The sermon shared a story about a single mom who was overwhelmed and looking down, until her son told her to “look up.” When you are weighed down by life, what helps you remember to shift your focus to God’s promises? Is there a practical step you can take this week to “look up” when you feel overwhelmed? [46:16]
“Looking up doesn’t ignore reality, but it reframes it in light of God’s sovereignty.” Think of a current challenge you’re facing. How could you reframe this situation by remembering God’s faithfulness and control? [55:43]
The sermon encouraged starting each day by looking up and thanking God before bringing him your needs. What would it look like for you to begin your mornings this way? How might it change your attitude throughout the day? [01:03:28]
The message said, “We are not called to live in fear of what’s to come, but to live with confidence and expectancy.” Are there fears about the future that you need to surrender to God? What would it look like to trust him with those fears this week? [54:22]
“Our purpose is to love God and love people, to live with urgency and compassion, and to make heaven crowded.” Who is one person in your life you feel God is calling you to love or reach out to? What is one step you can take this week to build that relationship or share Christ’s love? [01:14:23]
The story of Bill Borden challenged us to live with “no reserves, no retreats, no regrets.” Is there an area of your life where you are holding back from fully surrendering to God’s call? What would it look like to take a step of faith in that area? [01:17:20]
The sermon asked, “What would change if you saw today from the lens of eternity?” If you knew Jesus was coming back soon, what is one thing you would do differently in your relationships, your time, or your priorities? [01:18:08]

Sermon Clips

But while I was focusing on all of the bad stuff, he was focusing on the good stuff. He was looking at it as Christ returning and the hope of all that was about to go down, of his return. So, it was the exact same scriptures that we were looking at. But we were looking at it from two completely different perspectives. And can I tell you this morning, you get to choose the way you see things. Choose wisely. Choose to see the good. Choose to see God's coming back in all of this, these things. [00:53:09] (47 seconds) #ChooseYourPerspective

God didn't give us the last book in the Bible, Revelations, so that we would live in fear. Or that we would start stockpiling food. Now, not that there's anything wrong with being prepared and stockpiling food. But he wanted us to live confidently in a darkening world while boldly holding on to the word of life. To holding on to his truth and to know what was going to happen. [00:54:26] (26 seconds) #LiveConfidentlyInTruth

When you look up, you shift your focus from what's wrong to who reigns. And that's what we have to do. We can't be so focused on what is going wrong in our lives. We have to remind ourselves that God is on his throne. And no matter what is going on, we can trust him because he is trustworthy. [00:55:14] (23 seconds) #FocusOnWhoReigns

He's going to do whatever he has to do to get you to what he called you to, to get you to the person that he created you to be. And you know what he's going to do to use it or what he's going to use to do it? I can't talk this morning. All the stuff. All the things you walk through. All the things you say and do. The good, the bad, the ugly. All of it. He will use it all to take you to where you need to be. [00:59:02] (30 seconds) #UsingAllForGood

He may not remove all of the giants in your path getting there. But he will get you to that expected end. He's going to get you to the person he created you to be. I don't know about you, but that relieves some pressure off of me. Because I know I mess up more times than I'd like to admit. But God doesn't give up on us. He will get us to where we need to be. [01:01:12] (31 seconds) #GodGetsYouThere

Here's a practical thing that you can start doing. Start your day by looking up. Instead of, you know, saying, God, I need this. God, I need that. God, God, you know. Look up and say, Lord, thank you that you are the maker of the heavens and the earth. God, thank you that you are above all. That you are sitting on your throne and you have me in your perfect hands. [01:03:25] (24 seconds) #StartYourDayLookingUp

You know, we don't get to take anything in this life with us to heaven except people. The nice house, cars, clothes. Worthless. The only thing that you get to take with you to heaven is people. Relationships are what truly matters in the kingdom. And we want to make sure that heaven is crowded. [01:14:50] (28 seconds) #HeavenIsAboutPeople

What would change if you saw today from the lens of eternity? Would you do things differently? Like if you knew Jesus was coming back next week, how would you be living your life right now? Because that's the way you need to be living your life every day. Not just when we know he's coming back. Oh, we better get ready. No. We need to be living that way every single day of our lives. Because he can come back any time, any moment. We have to live with eternity in mind. [01:18:28] (44 seconds) #LiveWithEternityInMind

Heaven is a very real place. And the path to heaven is one road. One road. The world would like you to believe that there are many ways to get to heaven. There is not. The Bible is very, very, very clear. There is one road, and it is a narrow road. And there is one door, and that door is Jesus Christ. That is the only way you get to heaven. It is by loving him and allowing him to be your Savior. [01:19:58] (43 seconds) #OneRoadToHeaven

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