O soul are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Saviour,
And life more abundant and free:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion
For more than conqu’rors we are!
His word shall not fail you He promised;
Believe Him and all will be well.
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!
~ Helen H. Lemmel, 1922 ~
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The inspiration for Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, which Helen entitled ‘The Heavenly Vision’, came from the writings of author and artist Lilias Trotter (1853-1928), a brilliant artist whose talent opened the doors to wealth and influence. Her other love was missions. After struggling in prayer for two years, she laid down her love of art in order to fix her eyes solely on Jesus and on His calling to the mission field. She served for more than 38 years as a missionary to the Muslims of Algeria. She also authored several books and tracts. The following is an excerpt from her tract, “Which Passion Will Prevail?”
“Never has it been so easy to live in half a dozen harmless worlds at once — art, music, social science, games, motoring, the following of some profession, and so on. And between them we run the risk of drifting about, the good hiding the best.” It is easy to find out whether our lives are focused, and if so, where the focus lies. Where do our thoughts settle when consciousness comes back in the morning? Where do they swing back when the pressure is off during the day? Dare to have it out with God, and ask Him to show you whether or not all is focused on Christ and His Glory. Turn your soul’s vision to Jesus, and look and look at Him, and a strange dimness will come over all that is apart from Him.”
Life gets busy, and even crazy! But whenever I sing this song, my eyes focus on Jesus, and I do find refreshing in “life more abundant and free.” This is what Jesus desires for us each and every day.
And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.
Hebrews 12:1,2
There are others who are “weary and troubled” in the darkness of life. Jesus commands us to share His light with them too.
Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.
Mark 16:15
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Lord, I don’t want the good of life to hide Your best. Help me focus on “Your wonderful face,” and do what You say, go where You call, and share with those You lead me to. You promised Your Word would never fail me, so I’m turning my eyes on You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
