Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- May 17, 2012
“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8
Jesus deserves my undivided attention, yet I struggle with distractions. My mind is drawn to musing over pressing issues at work that never seem to go away. My heart engages in emotional cares for others in crisis that I am unable to control. My eyes look ahead in worry or behind in regret. It is at these pivotal points that I desire my eyes to stay fixed on Jesus in prayer and not on others or myself. Faith makes Christ the center of attention.
The eyes of our souls can be blind to belief or they can open wide in anticipation of the Almighty’s faithfulness. If we close our spiritual eyes we extinguish hope and miss our Master’s comfort and instruction. It is when we gaze into the eyes of Jesus that He sees right through us to the heart of the matter. What matters to the Lord, becomes what matters to us. Like reading glasses, the Bible brings into focus the character of Christ.
“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Matthew 14:29-30
You will sink into the waters of doubt if you stare at the winds of worry. Walk on the water of God’s will when you look unto the face of Jesus. Your faith in Christ replaces fear with the fortitude to follow in His footsteps. It is much better for you to be in a raging storm walking toward the Lord, than to be on the dry shore absent His presence. Make God the center of your attention and you will persevere through pain.
Perhaps you give work less attention, giving more attention to understanding the needs of your family. Maybe you spend less time and money on hobbies and more on serving the poor. Furthermore, your resolve to lean into the Lord means you will not be shaken by circumstances or conflict. He is your rock of refuge and your strength to endure. Keep Christ the center of your attention and receive His loving attention.
“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Hebrews 12:1b-2a
Prayer: Lord keep my eyes of faith fixed on your loving face of hope and grace.
Related Readings: 2 Kings 7:2; Psalm 25:15; 2 Corinthians 8:21; 1 Peter 3:12
Post/Tweet this today: Eyes for the Lord have eyes for none other. #Lord #loyal
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thankyou again Boyd,your words of wisdom have come at a crisis point in my life,I felt as if i was drowning in a sea of dispair at a situation I am powerless against, and the hatefullness of others has been trying to consume me, As I pray eack morning and evening I still feel uncapable of seeing light at the end of the tunnel , the verses you quoted and how you said to keep my eyes upon the face of my Lord and I will find clarity and see that god will show me the answers I seek so desperatly and the faith to know Jesus will get me thru it.Praise God. and God bless you and thankyou for these wonderful devotions.
Lynn, Thank you for this powerful testimony. I’m humbled the Lord spoke to you through these words. May you continue to seek His ways every day.