Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

My husband often surprises me with a beautiful bouquet of cut spring flowers on my birthday. Trial and error have taught me that fresh water is the key to longevity where cut flowers are concerned. They can soak up over a cup of water a day. While tending my bouquet one morning, I noticed the stems had turned towards the window adjacent to the table. I was caught aback by their involuntary shift. I thought to myself, “Even though the still look fresh, these flowers are essentially dead. Why are they still searching for light?” I quickly rotated the arrangement offering the stressed side access to the light.

Over time, cut stems shed their petals and cease to pull water from the vase. Nothing can be done at that point to save them. As believers, we turn towards the light of Christ. But portions of our life, if not balanced, remain on the dark side in need of a helping hand. Yes, portions of our lives may thrive while others bend under the pressure of sin. Unlike my cut flowers, if we have accepted Christ as our personal Savior, we have been blessed with new and eternal life. With that comes responsibility. Our relationship with Christ requires effort on our part if we seek a fruitful relationship. Thank goodness for LIVING water, the light of the SON, and the gentle nudging of our brothers and sisters in Christ. That combination keeps pulling us back towards the light. I love the lyrics if this song by Steven Taylor and Helen Lemmel. 

“Oh soul are you weary and troubled.
No light in the darkness you see.
There’s light for a look at the Savior.
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.

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.

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.”

Psalms 16:8

“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”