Eyes Up

When I’m going through a difficult time, a friend of mine often encourages me with just two simple words:

“Eyes up.”

It’s a reminder to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, as Hebrews 12:1-2 says.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

This life is often so full and busy and hurried, that the pressures of life seem all-consuming. With the events and problems of life swirling around us, we can quickly become blind to the fact that this life is not all there is. And yet, this moment, however difficult or overwhelming it may seem, is just a microscopic pinpoint in the grander scope of all eternity.

Fixing our eyes on Jesus restores and maintains a true perspective on life and its pressures. As the passage in Hebrews 12 continues, it gives us a powerful glimpse of the bigger picture:

“For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.” (vv. 3-4)

The Christian life was never meant to be lived trouble-free. Jesus Himself told us that,

“In the world, ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

With our eyes fixed on Christ, the trials of life can never overwhelm us, for we remember that God is greater than anything we could ever face, and He only allows what He means to use for good in our lives. James 1:2-3 tells us,

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”

So, dear reader, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of this life today, eyes up! Fix your gaze on Jesus, and remember that He has it all under control for your good and His glory.

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1