February 9th

February 9th

Fix your eyes on Jesus.

I know…there are a lot of distractions aren’t there?

…A lot of concerns…all around the globe…and at home.

It is so easy to get anxious about everything going on from job concerns, to finances, to family relationships, to health issues…then there is the craziness of this world and their backwards thinking -calling right wrong, and wrong right…not to mention the global issues…

The only way to deal with all this mess is to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.

Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Notice this verse doesn’t say “glance” His way now and then (or even everyday.) It says “fix.” Fix means to stick, to be immovable, to fasten securely. Fixing our eyes on Jesus is how we make it through the times that are ahead and stay not only sane but also faithful. We have to keep it in perspective and the only way to truly do that is to keep Jesus in our sights. This puts it all in perspective. HE puts it all in perspective. Compared to Him, everything we could possibly face is small and every impossible situation is possible. There is a verse I remember learning in highschool:

Isaiah 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

We can scramble for control in our lives and try to hold on to things and “keep the peace” but the only way to truly have peace is to keep our mind “stayed” on Him. Stayed=fixed, fastened securely. Keeping our minds on Him rather than our circumstances is our way to peace. 

He IS our peace. He is our Prince of Peace.

We can trust Him in the midst of any trouble, and HIS peace is true peace.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

You can have peace from Jesus in the middle of any circumstance. Peace that makes no earthly sense. Peace that is not based on anything except the Prince of Peace Himself. True peace is not dependent on circumstances but only on the Holy Spirit. As you know, you can’t muster up peace because it is a fruit of the Spirit, but you can dive into His presence at any time, wherever you are, and experience the depths of peace that will calm your heart and mind.

Jesus, my Prince of Peace, thank you that you make your peace available to me at any moment. Help me to fix my eyes and my mind on you in middle of this messy world. Help me to look past the distractions and the ugliness in this world and see you and your love, your plan, and your peace. Help me to be bold enough to share with others about your perfect peace. Thank you Jesus.

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”