Mom Heart Moments #55

Fixing our eyes on Jesus [looking to Him, trusting in Him, depending on Him!], the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him [ponder Him, understand His life, His sufferings] who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

SO OFTEN, I awaken at night after only a few hours of sleep, and the first feeling I experience is fear —concerns about the future, stress over a lack of finances, worry regarding my children, and so on. Yet I am learning so much, even now, about the importance of overcoming fear by faith.

As I study the stories of Scripture, it is obvious that when people looked at their obstacles in life —the storms, giants, and battles —they became fearful and useless and defeated. But when they looked at God Himself instead of their fears, they became strong. They conquered right in the midst of their battles, storms, and difficulties.

The only way I have found peace and assurance and confidence in life has been to let God hide me in the corners of His tent —to let Him fight my battles, to submit to His will, and to say, “You be my defender and provider, because I am your child.” Fixing the eyes of my heart on Him, on His face, on His integrity of character and strength, is the only way I could live by faith and not by fear.

Resting in His presence and strength and power and goodness will put our hearts at rest. When we patiently face the storms, confiding, “This is too big for me to handle, but I am asking you to handle it for me,” and then learn to wait —and sometimes wait and wait and wait! —we will see His purpose, ways, and, yes, salvation from our storms.

Where are your eyes? On Jesus? Or on the storm?