Focusing On Jesus: The Source of Our Hope…

Focusing On Jesus: The Source of Our Hope

It’s a constant spiritual battle: the Holy Spirit is always working to direct our gaze toward Jesus, while Satan actively tries to pull our attention inward, making us focus on ourselves.

Satan whispers doubts like, “Your sins are unforgivable; you lack faith; your repentance isn’t enough; you’ll never persevere; you don’t have the joy of God’s children; your grip on Jesus is too weak.”

These thoughts, all centered on self, will only lead to discomfort and uncertainty.

However, the Holy Spirit redirects our focus entirely away from ourselves, reminding us that “Christ is all in all.” It’s crucial to remember that your salvation doesn’t depend on how tightly you hold onto Christ, but on Christ Himself. Your joy in Christ doesn’t save you; Christ does. Even faith in Christ, though the instrument, isn’t the ultimate source of salvation; it’s Christ’s blood and merits.

So, instead of examining your grip on Christ, look to Christ. Don’t focus on your hope, but on Jesus, the wellspring of that hope. Don’t fixate on your faith, but on Jesus, the one who initiates and perfects it. We won’t find true happiness by dwelling on our prayers, actions, or emotions. It’s who Jesus is, not who we are, that brings peace to our souls.

To overcome the devil and experience peace with God, we must consistently be “looking unto Jesus.” Keep your eyes fixed on Him. Let His death, His suffering, His merits, His glory, and His intercession remain vivid in your mind. Look to Him when you wake and when you go to sleep. Don’t let your hopes or fears stand between you and Jesus. Pursue Him diligently, and He will never abandon you.

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness:
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

Heavenly Father, We humble ourselves before You, acknowledging our constant tendency to look inward and to doubt. Forgive us for the times we focus on our shortcomings, our wavering faith, or our past failures, rather than resting in Your boundless grace. Holy Spirit, we pray that You would continually turn our eyes to Jesus. Help us to see Him as the author and perfecter of our faith, the one whose blood and righteousness alone secure our salvation. Free us from the deception of the enemy who seeks to distract us with self-condemnation. Lord Jesus, we fix our gaze upon You. We remember Your sacrifice on the cross, Your triumphant resurrection, Your glorious ascension, and Your ceaseless intercession for us. Let Your merits be our only plea, Your love our only hope, and Your power our constant strength. May our lives be a testament to the truth that our hope is found in nothing less than Your finished work. Keep our hearts and minds steadfastly on You, so that we may live in Your peace and glorify Your name always. Amen.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼