Day 156 Built for Boldness

Built for Boldness

by Torrie Slaughter

Scriptures: 2 Samuel 23:24–24:25, Acts 3:1–26, Psalm 123, Proverbs 16:21–23
Theme Verse: “To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens!” — Psalm 123:1

There’s a boldness that doesn’t roar—it waits.
In Acts 3, Peter boldly declares healing in Jesus’ name. In 2 Samuel, David’s mighty men are celebrated—not because they were loud, but because they were loyal. And in Psalm 123, we meet a quiet, desperate kind of boldness—the kind that dares to look up when all the world looks down in scorn.

Spiritual boldness is built in the secret place of dependence. And that shift begins with your eyes.

📖

The Posture of Expectant Eyes
“To you I lift up my eyes…” (v.1)
Lifting our eyes is an act of defiance against despair. It’s saying, “God, I trust Your authority over every earthly noise.” This was Peter and John at the temple gate. This was David’s legacy—men who feared God more than man. And it can be you today, looking past weariness to the throne of mercy.

Servant-Eyed Faith
“As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master…” (v.2)
This isn’t passive watching—it’s active waiting. Think of a servant scanning the master’s hand, ready to respond. That’s trust in motion. Psalm 123 doesn’t just ask us to wait—it shows us how to wait: with humility, intensity, and unwavering expectation. It’s a look that says, “I’ll keep watching until You move.”

Enduring Contempt Without Losing Heart
“We have had more than enough of contempt…” (v.3)
Yes, the psalm is honest—weary, even. But even in the face of scorn, the psalmist doesn’t retaliate—he lifts his eyes. He doesn't build walls—he builds trust. And that’s bold. It’s easier to fight back than to wait on mercy. Yet that’s where the shift happens. In the waiting. In the watching. In the trusting.

Reflection Questions:

1. Where have you been lowering your eyes out of fear, weariness, or rejection?

2. What does “watching the Master’s hand” look like in your current situation?

3. How can you boldly trust today, even if your circumstances haven't yet changed?

🛠 Action Step:

Take a few quiet moments to physically lift your eyes toward heaven and whisper this phrase:
“Lord, I’m watching Your hand.”
Let it become your declaration of trust and positioning—spiritually and emotionally.

🙏 Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we lift our eyes to You, trusting in Your boundless mercy and grace. Strengthen our hearts as we face scorn and contempt, and help us to remain steadfast in our faith. May Your loving presence guide us and bring peace to our weary souls.
Amen.