December 28, 2023: Fix Your Eyes Upon Jesus
- Liana V.
- Dec 28, 2023
- 3 min read
Fix Your Eyes Upon Jesus
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.”
Matthew 2:10
Real joy. When was the last time you experienced it? Are happiness and joy alike? Do you know the difference? Do I? I've heard it preached countless times. I've read slogans and catch phrases. But what is it? If I could define it, I would say:
Joy: an expression and state of trust in Jesus Christ.
”You love him passionately although you did not see him, but through believing in him you are saturated with an ecstatic joy, indescribably sublime and immersed in glory.“
I Peter 1:8 TPT
Scripture tells us joy is found in Jesus Christ. And yet often we determine our “joy” according to circumstance, when in fact our happiness may wain in difficult times, our joy does not (unless we allow it).
”Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.“
Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV
I love this verse. It really helps me put into perspective not only the meaning of true joy but life. Jesus looked to the cross and His crucifixion and did so with joy. He endured the most gruesome and horrific treatment and did it with joy because He had you in mind. Me in mind. Us in mind. You might even say He trusted the Father's plan.
”You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.“
Psalms 16:11 NKJV
The wise men had not yet found what they sought and yet they were filled with joy at the prospect of their hope being fulfilled. Maybe that's why sunrises gives us the warm and fuzzies. They certainly don't change our circumstances but the beauty can definitely persuade our perspective and invigorate our hope. Time and space can do funny things to our faith.
Fix your eyes upon joy, fix your eyes upon Jesus. Fix. Don't look away. Don't revere and trust your circumstances more than God. For even though we do not see Him, we believe and are saturated with joy-for the Light has dawned and we have seen a great light!
”The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.”“
Matthew 4:16 NKJV
”Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.“
Romans 15:13 NKJV
Prayer: Thank you Father for your joy! I find fullness of joy in You. I will not be moved from living out a joyful life, one content in You and Your promises. You, Lord Jesus are faithful to me, Your word, and Your promise. You do not lie, fail, or are forgetful. You are the giver of every perfect gift, and you have given good promises, and plans for my future. I trust you and am joyful to be Your child. In Jesus' name, Amen.
I found this sweet print at:
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