Holocaust survivor and writer of The Hiding Place Corrie Ten Boom once said, “Look without and be distressed. Look within and be depressed. Look at Jesus and be at rest.”
Boy, ain’t that the truth? After the events of my life in the last couple days (see two previous posts here and here), I can say a hearty AMEN to that. It’s like one of those cartoons where you see the character standing still while everything and everyone around is moving at light speed. My grandson used to run like Dash from The Incredibles and look behind him to see if there were any “speed trails.”
Corrie knew whereof she spoke. In a concentration camp she watch her father and sister-and many others-die at the hands of the Nazis. But her sister, Betsy, had a huge faith that rubbed off on Corrie. Betsy taught/showed her not to look around or within because that would only bring despair. She taught her to look to Jesus.
Life appears hard at times. To look around one will find it easy to get distressed (unless you are a Ranger or Diamondback fan. Little baseball there). Seriously, can we really have a lot of hope at the moment? Then we are told to look within. Are you kidding me? I’m a sinner. I’m messed up. If I look within I’m in deep trouble. There is a big “D” called depression just waiting for me if I do that.
But looking to Jesus? That’s the ticket. Stay fixed on Him. Keep moving forward in the power of His strength. Don’t despair (outward). Don’t sink (inward). Find hope. (Upward). “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For He is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of His hand.” (Ps.95:6-7 ESV). “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…” (Heb. 12:1-2 ESV)
Very encouraging post, Bill. Jesus is the rock on which we stand or, if need be, hide behind.
Thanks Pam.
No doubt looking to Jesus provides the rest we need to make it through the struggles of this world. I can’t rely on my own self… been there, done that, have a closet of t-shirts.
Jesus is truly the founder and perfecter of our faith!
I have those same type of t-shirts as well Ryan!
Looking to Jesus is the only way out of what would otherwise be a hopeless situation, Bill. Thanks for this encouragement today.
Blessings!
More than welcome Martha. Thanks for commenting.
I never realized how hard it was when someone close gets really sick until my Mom did. It really did change my whole outlook on not only life, but the way I view others. We all go there in some way or another. What I do know is that no matter where we go with our health, the Lord is right there with us.
So very true Ed. My perspective changed when I sat with my mom for the last 6 weeks of her life. Gave me empathy for those who do.
How true are Corrie’s and your words! I have to continually strain to refocus my eyes on Jesus. Thank you for this reminder, Pastor Bill.
As do I Cheryl.