Daily devotional, May 14, 2024 Googly eyes
"I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken." Psalm 16:8 NIV
If there is anything that could make children’s craft look more funny and lively, it is a pair of googly eyes. It gives a new dimension to any craft or artwork, and always fascinates younger kids. The eyes can look in different directions, and even if it appears cross-eyed, the end product still looks cute!
As followers of Jesus, we are however encouraged to fix our eyes on Him. That no matter our current situation, we can look to Him for help, for protection, and for deliverance. Instead of focusing on our life issues, we continue looking to the skies for His guidance, His love, and the hope, peace and joy that he offers.
"Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." Hebrews 12:2-3
When we fix our eyes on our Lord and Savior, we get to see that even our Messiah suffered. And if we are His servants, we too cannot be exempt from the hurts, heartaches and the difficulties of this world. He has warned us of this, and He encouraged us to truck on because He has been victorious.
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
If we just fix our eyes on Him, we will know that we are not alone in the challenges that we are facing. That there is hope, if we only seek Him faithfully.
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:33
So how do we live our lives with eyes fixed on Jesus? Well we put Him as our number one priority. We seek Him first thing in the morning through prayer, and we end our days, thanking Him for his protection and providence.
We center our lives in Him by worshipping Him not just every Sunday, but every day of our lives. By coming to His feet daily through our quiet time, our lives will be guided with what we have learned through our bible reading and reflection.
"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
Matthew 6:6
And when we develop the habit of putting God in the center of our lives, we get to eliminate the things that distract us from living a godly life. Instead, we get to prioritize living a life that pursues gains in Christ Jesus.
"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." Colossians 3:1-2
We will also get to focus on the more important things. We get to center our attention on the graces and mercies, on what is essential for the soul. We will look at the good of others, and not on their mistakes. On the blessings of the almighty, and not in the tribulations of this life.
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Hebrews 12:1-11 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Are your eyes fixed on Jesus?
Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for calling my attention to remain focused on you. Thank you for encouraging me to fix my eyes on you and not on my troubles, and not on the things that I lack. Bless me with the confidence to always seek You in everything, so that I will not grow weary, and experience the peace and joy that only you can give. Amen.
