Did you guys watch the US presidential election unfold over the last few weeks? The fighting, the name calling, the accusations, the lawsuits, the hatred. What a mess. It is so easy to get pulled into things like the election and start spiraling down the deep dark media tunnel. To get lost in all the media coverage, to get worked up over every comment and accusation that is flying around.
Listening to one of my all time favorite hymns, I realized something... we have another option! Instead of hitting refresh after refresh to see who "winning", we can turn our eyes to Jesus! I think he is much more interesting than the world anyway at this point!
This past few weeks, I have been trying to simplify my life. I read an incredibly good book called "When Less Becomes More" by Emily Ley (if you have Amazon Prime, it's free!😉 ). It spoke right to my heart the entire time I was reading it.
In this book, Emily Ley states the following: "That space in your head and heart is sacred. Protect it as holy, and allow in only what's truly significant"
Doesn't that just hit the nail on the head? We should be turning our eyes away from the world and fixing them securely on Jesus. Instead of spending all of our time on our phones comparing our lives to others, we can spend time with Jesus.
"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. 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 12:1-2
"But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul." Deuteronomy 4:29
I love, love, love the first verse of this song: "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."
The things of this earth: rushing, fighting, hatred, discontentment, hurt, depression, anxiety. (only to name a few!) These will all grow dim as we turn our eyes upon Jesus. His glory and grace outshines them all.
"And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it". (Isaiah 40:5a)
Notice how the Bible says will, not may! God's glory will be revealed, and if we believe that God sent his only son, Jesus, to die for our many sins, we get to share in that glory.
"Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 8:17-18
One day, Jesus will come again to bring his people home. I can't help but feel like that day is getting closer, looking at how this world seems to be getting darker and more depraved with each day. While I am thoroughly enjoying where I am in my life right now, especially seeing my kids growing up, I can't wait to see the glory that God has promised to us.
My daughter has been fascinated with heaven ever since my grandfather died last year. She asks so many questions about heaven, and every time I try (my best) to describe it to her, she always answers: "That sounds like a good place. I'm glad that one day I get to go there!" It warms my heart that she already knows that when her life on earth is done, she gets to go to heaven to share in the glory that God has promised her and all believers.
"And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away." 1 Peter 5:4
When life seems so distracting and the world seems so dark, remember the words of Paul:
"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14)
That is our goal in life, not to have the most 'followers', not to have amazing success or incredible amounts of money, but to win the prize that God has set out for us in heaven. Turn your eyes upon Jesus, and He will make the things of this world seem dim in the light of His glory and grace.
If you are interested in purchasing "Glorious Christ" by Sovereign Grace Music or "When Less Becomes More" by Emily Ley, click on the Amazon links above in the blog! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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