Fix Your Gaze

“Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead.
Don’t turn to the right or to the left; keep your feet away from evil.”
“Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.”
Proverbs 4:25;27;23 CSB

Are you struggling with focus? This is one of those times when focus is difficult, with all of our normal rhythms broken or in disarray. Then add all of the uncertainty that has been introduced into our lives almost daily; focus becomes difficult. These couple of verses from the book of Proverbs are a great reminder to us about how to stay focused. Really, the concept is not that difficult, but the practice is. As Christ followers we need to have our eyes fixed on Him and only Him. Often we try to look to Jesus and also other events or people all at the same time, hoping that between all of them we will find hope and meaning. When in reality, all we need is Jesus. Other passages of scripture tell us that he is the “beginning and the end” or the “author and finisher of our faith.” That means that it is Jesus plus nothing; all we need is him. He is enough, and he will provide all we need. Don’t waste your time and energy looking anywhere else when all you need is found in him. What or who has your gaze been fixed on lately?
The last thought in that series of verses is so important. “Guard your heart.” Our hearts are easily pulled away and tricked causing us to lose focus. How do I guard my heart? By filling it with the Word of God and giving the Holy Spirit control of it. Yielding to him.
How well have you been guarding your heart lately?

-Pastor Tim