Day 9 - Look Away
Day 9 - Look Away
Hebrews 12:1-2 (TPT)
1 As for us, we have all of these great witnesses who encircle us like clouds. So we must let go of every wound that has pierced us and the sin we so easily fall into. Then we will be able to run life’s marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us.
2 We look away from the natural realm and we fasten our gaze onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God
Sometimes all it takes is a word to take what was a bright, shiny day and turn it into a cloudy storm. That word could even be misread in a text, something not even intended, but in its focus becomes a filter of all of life’s surroundings. Especially when coming from someone from whom encouragement and comfort was desired and needed, the inclusion of the image of something else can darken an ability to see anything in a positive light.
Proverbs 15:4 (TPT)
4 When you speak healing words, you offer others fruit from the tree of life. But unhealthy, negative words do nothing but crush their hopes.
Other circumstances of life may have also stirred up a raging storm that is impacting the condition of the heart even more than the finances, resources, health, or whatever area of challenged hope. They may seem to be much more than just a misunderstanding, as real loss seems imminent. No matter the source of the storm’s turbulence, however, there is a reality beyond its thunder and lightning. It will pass, and there will be light on the other side of its silencing. It may leave a natural wake that needs restoration, but in looking to an answer and hope in the middle of the raging, care is given to the place in the heart that will make way for that renewal.
No matter how intense the storm, there is an escape from its focus to a place of hope and refuge. Its ability to inflict any debilitating effects on the heart and soul can be completely upended by simply looking away from it, from rising far above its thunderings to see a reality it can never touch. In that view can be a complete rest from the anxiety and fear of the storm’s effect and immediate entrance into a light of hope.
In Christ, we’ve been given a vision in the Word of the One who has gone before us, conquering and reigning over the storm. As that simple word can stir up much raging in the soul, so can a simple fixation on the Author and Finisher of our faith. His enduring of the unbelievable storm of the cross and death for us means that there is another side of whatever vision life might demand of our focus. In the quietness and rest of the looking away to Him will be an equipping of the heart in faith and hope that will keep it triumphant and unmoved by any turbulence.
Meditation
Fasting:
"I do not allow my heart to be driven by affection for things of this world, but set it securely on love of the Father and its path to true life.”
John 12:25, 1 John 2:15
Praise:
"In the exalting of God my heart will be stilled from all anxiety, safely knowing that He makes all earthly threats to be nothing and He will be honored throughout the whole world."
Psalm 46:8-11
Identity:
"God’s love is abiding in me and I am perfected in that love to know that as He is, so am I in this world."
1 John 4:16-17
Understanding:
"I have received the Spirit of God that I may know the things that are freely given to me by God."
1 Corinthians 2:12-14
Wholeness:
"Because I have made the Lord my dwelling place, no evil will overtake me nor plague come near."
Psalm 91:9-10
Provision:
"In Christ all the promises of provision, health and protection are mine as I’m established in His holiness."
Deuteronomy 28:1-14, 2 Corinthians 1:20
Song: (Click to Hear)
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