There is so much to look at when I travel. Whether I am riding in the car or traveling on train, my eyes are constantly taking in the new terrain in hopes of not missing anything. The reality is I miss a lot because I cannot always see everything. Also, there are times when something catches my attention and I dwell in that moment, missing everything else.
In our adventure with Jesus, we sometimes lose sight of what is most important for fear of missing something that may seem spectacular. In Hebrews 12:2, we read, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” There are many distractions that draw our attention away from Jesus. Whether it is busyness of life as we don’t want to miss the next business opportunity, fun party, or potential viral sensation, we take our focus away from Jesus. We take for granted the Lord’s presence, missing what He wants to show us each day.
In the song, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, the author, Helen Lemmel encourages us to:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim.
In the light of His glory and grace.
When we turn our eyes on Jesus and fix our eyes on Him, the struggles, concerns, distractions, and frustrations of this world melt away. In John 1:4 we read, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” We can by faith know that when we turn our eyes upon Jesus, that our view of our present situation will change. As Jesus guides our life and the eyes of our heart and life, we see in a new light. We begin to see our world and our situation through the eyes of Jesus. The things of this world possess no power any longer, and we can face each day anew.
Are there places in your life where you have lost your focus on Jesus? Are there weights and distractions that weigh you down and keep you from experiencing the fullness of life? If yes, I want to encourage you to “turn your eyes upon Jesus and to look full in his wonderful face.” It is my prayer that your view of whatever you may be facing will no longer have control because “the things of earth grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”
Prayer: Jesus, I turn my eyes on you. The world becomes overwhelming, and I get tired. I know when my eyes are fixed on you, the things of this world lose power because my path is illuminated with your light. Thank you! Amen.