Fix my Eyes on You

Philippians 4 is jam packed with passages of scripture that are widely popular among Christians. We are reminded to rejoice in the Lord always (vs 4), to not worry about anything, but instead pray to God (vs 6), to focus our minds on the ways of Jesus (vs 8), to be content despite our circumstances (vs 11), that we can do anything through Christ because he gives us strength (vs 13), and that the Lord will satisfy every need (vs 19). It is impossible to read this chapter and not feel encouraged if you believe what it says. This is how I want to live my life. I want to have a “peace that passes understanding” (vs 7) and to walk with a confidence that no matter what life throws my way or what troubles may come, I can face it all boldly because I am filled with the Sprit. 

Rejoice always, do not worry, and focus on the things of God. I wish I lived like this every day. Can you imagine what life would be like if this was our everyday reality? And the crazy part is that it could be. This is a real truth if we have our hope in Jesus Christ and are filled with the Holy Spirit. So why are so many of my days filled with worry and lacking joy or peace? I think we can find the answer in verses 8-9. We need to think about the ways of the Lord instead of the ways of the world. 

Lately I have been very aware of my sinful nature in the area of jealousy or comparison. It is something that I have struggled with off and on throughout my life, and seems to be something I am struggling with now. To me this is such a clear example of this passage. Instead of thinking about things that are honorable or worthy of praise I have been focusing on what I feel that I am lacking or what I wish I had that I see in the lives of others. It is hard to rejoice and feel content when I am looking at what others have in such a way that highlights areas of dissatisfaction in my own life. 

Lord, help me to turn my eyes towards you. Help me to do the things you have called me to do when I am tempted to focus on the things of this world or my own sinful nature. Fix my eyes on you Jesus so that I might be reminded that you are my source. You are my joy, my peace, and my strength. 

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