Turn Your Eyes

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

Helen H. Lemmel

It’s one of those choruses that I don’t think of often, but it has stayed with me throughout my life. Branded on my heart with the keys of the old Tab piano and Rob Engelhart’s voice, it finds me in moments of loss. Moments of despair. Moments of utter brokenness. It’s a lesson I hope I never stop learning: Look at Jesus.

Life is hard: Look at Jesus.

Money is tight: Look at Jesus.

My husband and I are fighting: Look at Jesus.

Diagnosis incurable: Look at Jesus.

Your position has been eliminated: Look at Jesus.

My heart is broken: Look at Jesus.

I haven’t slept well since January: Look at Jesus.

I feel alone: Look at Jesus.

I feel lonely: Look at Jesus.

I can’t keep up with my responsibilities: Look at Jesus.

My needs are greater than my resources: Look at Jesus.

Lord, You called me out of the boat to walk on this water with You, and now the waves are knocking into my chest as I sink deeper and deeper: Look at Jesus.

See, it doesn’t matter what the situation is – it will always be the right time to refocus on Jesus. It will always be best for us to turn our eyes upon Him and let the things of Earth grow dim. And they do – they will – grow strangely dim. Not of our own willpower or impeccable ability to concentrate on the Lord, but of His goodness and faithfulness to us, calling to remembrance how He has always met us in the throws of life. His very incarnation is just that: Almighty God coming to earth as a helpless child to take our humanity upon Himself.

He comes to us because we cannot come to Him. He sets aside all that is lovely, all that is good, all that is eternal, and takes on human flesh to be reconciled with us.

And whatever circumstances threaten to drown you today – Jesus receives you. Just like that. You don’t have to figure it out; you don’t have to fix anything; you don’t have to “be better” or “get better” or “feel better” or “do better.” He just receives you. That is what He came for – to receive you. To redeem you. To call You His own.

Let that resound in your heart today as the things of Earth cry out for your attention.

From the shores of Wicket Lake;