A couple of years ago, our family was going through a barrage of storms – all in a short window of time.
During this time, I read the account of Peter walking on water in Matthew 14, and I realized how critical it would be for me to keep my eyes on Jesus through it all. In fact, it was clear that it would be the ONLY way I could see our family getting through that difficult time.
So, I decided to write “Eyes on Me ~ Jesus” in large letters and put it on our fridge. It’s been there ever since.
This morning I had an eye doctor appointment. We’re all familiar with the process: “Read me the letters on the chart,” the doctor said. To which I replied, “Are there supposed to be two rows?” Ha!
My eyes have gotten so bad lately that I have been unable to read my Bible. Yes, I have my Bible app with the font set to a size I can read. But I really miss flipping through the pages and reading the notes of insights I’d observed during my previous readings.
So, there I was focusing intently on seeing the letters clearly, so that I could get the perfect prescription that would allow me to read without difficulty or frustration. Then, on my drive home, my favorite radio station played a song by for KING + COUNTRY called “Fix My Eyes On You“.
The song made me start thinking about what it means for us to “fix our eyes on Jesus” and the reasons why sometimes we cannot truly see Him clearly.
What clouds our view of Jesus?
Sometimes, like Peter, we look to our right or to our left, instead of looking directly to Him. When we keep our eyes on Him, we are able to operate in the supernatural.
Think about it. Sinking was “natural” for Peter, right? When life is hard, sinking is natural for us, too. But as we focus our eyes on Him and His promises, Jesus allows us to do the unimaginable.
Here’s the tricky part — let’s be clear on His promises.
I have sometimes heard people “blame” God for not keeping a promise that He never made. That will absolutely cloud our view of Him. Yet, the opposite is also true when we consider the beautiful promises He actually has made. When we think on these promises, we will SEE His faithfulness, His goodness, His presence and His love.
So, what are some of the promises from scripture that are holding you up now or have held you up during a difficult season? Don’t worry if you are too weary to even lift your head to fix your eyes on Him today. Psalm 3:3 tells us He is the lifter of our heads. How wonderful is our God! He gently lifts our heads when we don’t have the strength!
We all need to be uplifted by the truth of who God is and the power found in His promises. Next time I feel like I’m sinking, I will pay close attention to where I am looking and adjust my focus. Will you join me?
Let’s share some promises from scripture to encourage each other today.
I’ll start with these:
Deuteronomy 31:6 – “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.“
Matthew 11:28-29 – “Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.“
1 John 1:9 – “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”
John 14:3 – “When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.“
With eyes fixed firmly on Jesus,
Claudia Wittel
Director of Philanthropy and Advancement, STAR 99.1
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It just seems God gets our attention when life goes bonkers in every sense of the word. How do you tell a person who has no clue who Jesus is and social media has become their God? Does it takes all the fire and brimstones, hurts, rejections, divorce, addiction, lost of job, etc.? It took me longer because I had no one at 16, 20, 25, 30 but it started appearing when I started church in my mid 30’s and Holy Spirit grabbed me (did not know at the time about Holy Spirit) but I was already burnt out from drugs, etc. But I held on for dear life and now at 66 I can say Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit has been my best friend and Comforter. But it took living on life’s terms. Praying for more lights of Christains on the roads of darkness to help someone, maybe a stranger. My story is not a secret…Hallelujah Sweet Jesus.. Proverbs
3:5-6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and He (Jesus) will make your path straight.
Thanks so much for sharing Barbara! What a great PROMISE too!
Wow that was awesome and your right we all have to keep our eye on Jesus. Our lives are so crazy sometimes and He just calms us down and gets us through. Thank you I needed to read this today!
Amen and may God be with you!
Amen Fortune! Blessing to you and thank you for sharing that this encouraged you.
Keep reading and keep listening he will open your eyes when it is most needed in your life. Music I listen to on star 99 opens my eyes at times when I really need him.