Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
During labor, some women find it helpful to focus on a focal point during contractions. Together with breathing, these techniques work well to distract one from pain. It is reported that these techniques, enhance relaxation and help the women find focus during the birthing process.
During prayer, it is human to look at the problem before us, which is exactly what we should not be looking at. Like the woman in labor, it helps to take our focus off the problem and place it on a focal point, which is non-other than God himself. Instead of focusing on how big the problem is, we should rather focus on how big our God is. It is said that when C.S. Lewis prayed, he would gaze upon a photo of the image of Jesus’s face from the shroud of Turin. That was his focal point. Where do you look when you pray?
In her 1918 hymn, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, Helen Lemmel wrote:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.
When we turn our eyes upon Jesus, every spirit that threatens our spiritual well-being is brought low and forced to flee. Whether this be the spirit of anxiety, depression, joblessness, family woes, broken relationships, and the like. As we begin this new week, let us focus on God’s goodness. Our adoption as sons and daughters of heaven makes us heirs to God’s Kingdom with full rights and authority to make a difference in this world in his name.
Yes, we are surrounded daily by human frailty, but also by the rich tapestry of God’s workmanship in each person we meet. If we fix our gaze on Jesus, it will help us get into the right frame of mind as we pray for ourselves and for each other. In him, we can handle any unexpected situation that comes our way for he says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9a).”
Father, thank you for your amazing grace.It is only by your grace that I have come this far.Teach me to fix my eyes only on you.In Jesus’ name, I pray.Amen.