Scripture: Hebrews 12:2, NIV
“…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)
Problems, challenges, and changing circumstances are part of living. One of the most difficult lessons believers must learn is to fix our eyes on Jesus Christ instead of focusing on the problem we face.
Fixing our eyes on the problem is debilitating. It leads to depression. In fact, when all we think about is our problem, we can make an idol of the problem.
Jesus did not focus on the cross, its shame, and the humiliation coming from the soldiers and crowd. He focused on the joy, the eternal, and the ultimate results that would come from his sacrifice.
We have the promise, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” (Psalm 32:8, NIV)
We serve the God who sees and provides. God wants us to learn to trust him, and to understand that he is our provider. When we view life from that perspective, challenges become opportunities to learn how to trust God.
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” (Psalm 28:7, NIV)
No wonder the Psalmist said, “My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.” (Psalm 25:15, NIV)
By trusting in God we show faith. God responds to faith. It was at the point of trust that the psalmist was helped. The psalmist is showing us the way to face problems. Rather than focusing on the problem, we should keep our eyes always on the Lord.
And rejoice, knowing that, with him at your right hand, you will not be shaken (Psalm 16:8, NIV).
Today, ask yourself:
Am I fixing my eyes on my problems, or am I focusing on the Lord?
How has this website helped you?