fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 NIV
I was driving a van load of youth through the Navajo Nation in Arizona while on a mission trip. As I looked over the desert land, I say a very large dirt duster (it looks like a small tornado of dust) in the distance. I asked the youth to look at it for a moment. They couldn’t see it. I pointed to some small landmarks in the area of the duster. Still, no one saw what I was seeing. Was it a vision? Then I took off my glasses and the duster disappeared. There was so much light and glare that I needed the special sunglasses to filter the light to see the duster in the distance. I let others use the glasses and almost without exception I heard, “Oh, there it is.”
Fix your eyes on Jesus is a transitional phrase to help us overcome sin that so easily entangles. It literally means to stop looking in many directions and focus your attention on Jesus. The poetic imagery captures our imagination of the lost boat at night finding the light house for guidance through the storm.
How does “fixing your eyes” work in “real time” without the imagery?
- The word of God must maintain a high priority in your life. If it is a lamp unto your feet and a light for the path that you walk, then you must keep it close. This would include regular reading of the scriptures, as well as meditating on portions of it daily. You can tell when you are “taking the right amount” when the words begin to be a part of your speaking.
- Your life follows your words, so use them to redirect your focus. If all that you talk about are the problems that you are facing, then it will consume your “focus”. Let your words take you back to the wonderful care and love of Jesus.
- Remember to ask the Holy Spirit to help you. Living the Chrisitan life is not a test to see how “tough and committed” you are. We are called to walk in humble obedience to the guiding and direction of the Holy Spirit. He always leads us to green pastures and refreshing waters.
May you be refreshed deep in your spirit today as you turn your gaze fully on Jesus wonderful face.
Blessings Love y’all