I Will Look Up: 31 Mornings Seeking Him First

by Kari Patterson

Every single day there are countless opportunities to look down. Down in discouragement. Down in weariness. Down in shame. There are also countless opportunities to look around. Look around at everyone else’s success. Look around at all the things we think we need. Look around at all the endless tasks and needs and responsibilities surrounding us.

But something supernatural happens when we, like the psalmist, Look Up.: When we seek Him first. “Oh Lord, in the morning, will I direct my prayer, unto Thee and will look up” (from Psalm 5).

I Will Look Up is the perfect companion for any who desire to seek Him first. Thirty-one honest, scriptural, thought-provoking messages, along with practical action steps, will help readers live life with eyes upturned.

Genres: Devotional, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction

107 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 30, 2013

About the author

Kari Patterson reaches thousands of women worldwide through speaking events and her popular blog Sacred Mundane. She's a pastor's wife, homeschool mom, Bible teacher, mentor, and passionate seeker of truth. At Patterson's request, all royalties from the sale of this book will benefit World Vision's work with women and children in need. Visit her online at www.karipatterson.com.

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ended up liking this devotional more than the other 2 I've read by Kari Patterson. I think that was because at the end of each day's reading, she included an 'action step': a little challenge or question for us to better apply the lessons learned. I do wish (as with the others) that she had included more Scripture. My favourite devotionals are ones where the Word is liberally used! :)

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. It was okay but not exactly what I was looking for when I picked it out from my list of kindle books. The title suggests that the "reader" will be spending 31 mornings seeking God or rather, reading devotions that are focused on Him. Instead, what I read was a series of almost blog-post type short chapters that were about the author's life. Patterson shared insights into things she was going through and what God was showing her through those moments. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't what I wanted to read.

I thought it would be 31 mornings of “ME” seeking Him first, not the author. I expected to be challenged, encouraged, and strengthened in my faith through devotionals that I could do on my own – devotions that would be thought provoking and encouraging.Instead, it was more like I was following the author on that journey rather than being allowed to take it myself. It was like there was a go-between; the author between me and God. Rather than helping to guide the reader to focus on God, I felt that the author was in the way of seeing Him clearly. It was more about her life and less about what God was doing and how He was working. At the very least, I anticipated there would be a bible verse and some shared wisdom but more often than not, there wasn't even a bible verse included. Testimonial type books tend to only do well if there is a clear focus on what God is doing through all those hardships. That wasn't always the case with this book.

Each chapter was just a small “thought for the day” type of thing. The author shared glimpses into her life that were meant to inspire and challenge and each segment would end with some sort of life lesson or take-away. But I'm sad to say I didn't always feel like I could relate or that I was getting a whole lot out of the book.

I wouldn't say that this book is useless to read. Anything can be used by God. Just because I didn't care for it much doesn't mean others won't still enjoy it. Sometimes, in seeing God's work in someone else's life, we as Christians can be encouraged in our own spiritual walks. That theory was more what this book was based on. It just didn't work for me. I will say that I felt the title was misleading. So, anyone who reads this, just be more aware of what you are about to read. It isn't a devotional, it's an inspirational auto-biography of sorts. Not very helpful if you are looking for a study that will keep you seeking and focusing on God.

[Deanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

By the last ten days I felt like she was just repeating herself. Blah blah blah. It stopped being interesting or thought provoking.
Also felt like the book was meant for her blog followers since there was no background info. Also tired of women complaining about their bodies, like we should only love ourselves if we fit in a certain size jeans. Not sure why I finished it to tell the truth.

[Jean Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouragement for Real People

Karri reminds us that we should "look up" every day as we travel together through our Christian walk as mothers, wives, sisters, employees or just humans. Real and some times raw, she gives us glimpses of ourselves and encourages us to run the race set before us with grace.