Turn Your Gaze

Where you do turn when your heart needs encouragement? For so many of us, when we feel down we tend to turn to something. Whether that is texting a friend, or binge a Netflix show, or going on an online shopping spree. While it is often a good thing to turn to another person for encouragement, it is easy to become dependent on a person or thing instead of learning to deeply depend on Christ for the satisfaction our souls desperately need.

 I was reminded of this when I woke up today. From the moment I opened my eyes I felt deeply discouraged. There were some things that were just weighing me down. I just felt burdened. I grabbed my Bible and opened to Psalm 73. While this has always been one of my favorite Psalms,it was the reminder my heart needed today.

 The Psalm opens  talking about how he (the Psalmist) almost stumbled because he began looking around him and became distraught looking at the lives the wicked were living. To him, it seemed like they had it easy. They mocked God and despite that, their material wealth continued to increase. He went on to say in verse 13, "Did I purify my heart and wash my hands in innocence for nothing?" He had taken his eyes off of the Lord and began to focus on what was going on around him. He didn't understand why the wicked seemed to have it so easy and despite his heart to please the Lord, it seemed like things were so difficult for him. But where did the Psalmist turn when his heart so desperately needed encouragement and a change in perspective?

 He tells us in verses 16-17 "When I tried to understand all this, it seemed hopeless until I entered God's sanctuary. Then I understood their destiny." Instead of continuing to look around him, he set his gaze upward. This changed his entire perspective. The feelings of discouragement and confusion and even the feelings of envy faded away as he was reminded Who is truly in control. I find the same is true for me. I can choose to look around me, at my circumstances, struggles and burdens, or I can choose to gaze upon Christ. When I choose to look around it leads me to despair, discouragement, depression, anxiety, etc. BUT, when I choose to set my gaze on Christ, it leads me to peace, just knowing that He is in control and that He is holding me. My circumstances may not change but I know my God is strong. 

I remind myself of Who my God is. He is faithful. He is strong. He is with me, ALWAYS with me. He is holding me. He is my strength and my refuge. He is my provider. He is my shepherd. He cares for me. He loves me. And most of all, He is my good Father who wants me to come to Him when I am feeling burdened. 

What burdens do you need to cast on your Heavenly Father today? Friend, He cares for you. You weren't meant to live this life alone. Cry out to Him. He longs to comfort you and He knows what you need, even better than you do. Will you turn your gaze to Him today?