Rick Lee JamesHealthcare Chaplain, Bon Secours Mercy Health · Husband, Dad, Hospital Chaplain, Recording Artist, Podcast Host, Loyola University IPS Graduate, Alpha Sigma Nu Member, and Recording Academy (GRAMMY®) member - Contributing musician on a Grammy-nomin

I Lift Up My Eyes Rick Lee James Band

6 Oct 2013 · 5 min

Watch on YouTube

5:23

In this YouTube segment, Rick Lee James introduces a worship song drawn from the biblical "Songs of Ascent" (Psalms) that will appear on his upcoming CD. He explains the historical context of these Psalms—Hebrew pilgrim songs expressing cries against oppression and reliance on God’s help. He highlights key lyrical themes: lifting one’s eyes to the Maker of heaven and earth, the contrast between war and peace, and continual prayer. After the brief introduction, the group sings the song, with verses echoing Psalm motifs such as “They are for war, I am for peace” and affirmations of God’s constant watchfulness. The performance concludes with a note that a short break will follow before the pastor speaks.

Chapters

Before we take a short break here tonight, I'm going to do just one more song. But also, this is going to be on the new CD that's coming out. This is one that comes from what's called the Songs of Ascent, which are in the Psalms. If you read them, there's several different songs that the Hebrews would use when they were on their way to the temple. And a lot of these songs they would sing were songs that were crying out about oppression, and they were crying out about things that only God could step in for, and that people all around them at times, you know, you read things in Psalms like, "They are for war, I am for peace," and "I cry out to you all day long, and my tears have been my food because that's all that I have left," but "I lift up my eyes, I lift up my eyes to where my help comes from, to you, Maker of heaven and earth." And that's what this song is. And then after that, we're going to take a real quick short break and Pastor's gonna come up.
Save me, oh God.
From light, don't I live too long with those who have no love? So I lift up my eyes. Where does my help come from? My help comes from you. Maker of Earth and Heaven. They are for war, I am for peace. I pray day and night. I know I know that you do not sleep, so I lift up my eyes. Where does my help come from? My help comes from you, Maker of the heavens. I cried to the Lord in my distress. He will answer me, I know he will. Answer me, so I lift up my eyes.
Where does my help come from? My help comes from you, Maker of earth and heaven. I lift up my eyes. Where does my help