Mahalia Buchanan + Joyous Celebration - Lift Up Your Eyes Unto The Hills Lyrics
Lyrics
When you are feeling low, when you are without hope Lost and in despair, fix your eyes on him Oh what joy, for those who trust in the Lord
Fix your eyes on Him, and oh what joy For those who trust in the Lord, Lift up your eyes, unto thy hills, Lift up your eyes, unto thy hills
Lift up your eyes (Lift up your eyes) Unto thy hills (Lift up your eyes) Lift up your eyes (Lift up your eyes) Unto thy hills (Lift up your eyes)
Lift up your eyes (Lift up your eyes) Unto thy hills (Lift up your eyes) Lift up your eyes (Lift up your eyes) Unto thy hills (Lift up your eyes) Oh Oh. God we praise you… God we magnify you Oh
Mahalia Joyous Celebration
Video
Joyous Celebration - Lift Up Your Eyes (Live at Carnival City, 2012)
Meaning & Inspiration
The spiritually resonant song, "Lift Up Your Eyes Unto The Hills," performed by Mahalia Buchanan with Joyous Celebration, first made its impact through a live recording at Carnival City in 2012, officially released on October 12, 2015. This release delivers a powerful message deeply rooted in foundational Scripture, serving as an anthem of hope and divine reliance. At its core, the song is a modern-day echo of Psalm 121:1-2, which asks, "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." It takes this ancient declaration and infuses it with contemporary spiritual urgency, addressing the universal human experience of profound struggle and the ultimate source of deliverance.
The narrative of the song begins by candidly acknowledging the depths of human despair: "When you are feeling low, when you are without hope, lost and in despair." This opening paints a relatable picture of the soul's most vulnerable moments, a state many individuals encounter and one frequently depicted in the lamentations found within the Psalms, such as Psalm 42:11, "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?" The song then swiftly pivots from this acknowledgment of distress to offer a singular, profound directive: "fix your eyes on him." This instruction is not merely a suggestion but a crucial spiritual discipline, an intentional act of shifting one's entire focus from overwhelming circumstances to the steadfast, unchangeable character of God. This echoes the powerful exhortation in Hebrews 12:2, which commands believers to be "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." It is through this intentional reorientation that the song promises a transformation.
The promise that follows this act of faith is truly transformative: "Oh what joy, for those who trust in the Lord." This joy is not a fleeting emotion or a superficial happiness, but a profound, enduring state of peace and strength that arises from a deep trust in divine providence. It aligns perfectly with Nehemiah 8:10, which declares, "The joy of the Lord is your strength," and Psalm 16:11, "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." The central, repeated call to action, "Lift up your eyes, unto thy hills," reinforces the core message with impactful affirmation. The "hills" or "mountains" in the original Psalm symbolize both the challenges that might obscure our view and the very places from which divine help is sought and indeed, delivered. By instructing us to lift our eyes *unto* them, the song directs us to look beyond immediate, earthly limitations and towards the transcendent power of God, who is above all things. This repeated command serves as a spiritual anchor, a consistent reminder to seek help from the sovereign Creator.
The repetitive nature of the phrase "Lift up your eyes (Lift up your eyes) Unto thy hills (Lift up your eyes)" throughout the song is highly intentional and serves a significant purpose. It is a powerful affirmation, a spiritual mantra designed to deeply embed the message of divine reliance into the soul. This repetition reinforces the idea that turning our gaze heavenward is not a one-time event but a continuous posture of faith and dependence. It is a declaration of unwavering trust, solidifying the truth that our ultimate help comes from God. Finally, the concluding lines, "God we praise you… God we magnify you Oh," elevate the song from a plea for help to a profound expression of worship. This shift signifies a complete journey of faith: from despair to trust, from seeking solace to offering adoration. It is an acknowledgment that even in the midst of trials, and certainly once help is found, God remains worthy of all praise and magnification, aligning with Psalm 34:3, "Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together." Mahalia Buchanan’s delivery, supported by the communal power of Joyous Celebration, serves as a compelling vessel for this timeless truth, inviting all who engage with the song to participate in this profound act of faith and worship. The song stands as a powerful testament to God’s unwavering presence and ability to provide strength and joy even in the darkest valleys.