‘For whenever the human soul turns itself, other than to You, it is fixed in sorrows, even if it is fixed upon beautiful things.’ - Augustine
Our hungry hearts and souls are quick to exchange the truth about God for a lie and worship and serve creature rather than the Creator (Rom 1:25). Since the fall in the Garden, this has always been our story (Gen 3:1-7). We have found time and time again the words of the Psalmist are true: ’The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply…’ (Ps 16:4).
Where can we set our gaze to not be fixed in multiplying sorrows? Toward Christ.
‘Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.’ Hebrews 12:1-2
Instead of turning toward immediate relief from His suffering, He set His face like flint toward Jerusalem (Lk 9:51). He set His face toward doing the will of the Father (Jn 6:38). He set His face toward the cross. And when we look to Him, we live.
Lord, may we look to You. May we run to You and away from the lesser gods, the lesser loves which so easily entangle. May we look to You and live, in Your name, amen.
Looking,
AB