A common saying tossed around in Christian circles is “fix your eyes on Jesus”. This term originates from Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

But what exactly does it mean to fix our eyes on Jesus? A great example of this can be found in Matthew 14:22-33 (click link to read) which is the story of Jesus walking on the water.

Peter had no problem walking on the water while he was focused on Jesus. Christ was working in him, equipping him to do miraculous things, and pulling Peter closer to Christ. But Peter only begins to falter when he gets distracted by the things around him. “When he saw the wind, he was afraid and began to sink”. But when he cried out to Jesus, Jesus reached out, grabbed him, and saved him.

So often our world can feel like that wind that scared Peter. Everything around you is demanding your attention and when those distractions take your focus away from Jesus you begin to feel like you are drowning in the pressures of this world or caving to the desires of sin.

But HOW do you keep your eyes fixed on God? Thessalonians 5:16-18 gives us the answer: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

THAT is how you keep your focus on Jesus. That is how you keep from caving to the powers and pressures of this world.

1. You rejoice in every situation because you know who is sovereign over your life – over all of Creation.
2. You pray continually inviting Jesus into every moment of your day
3. You give thanks in all circumstances because God has richly blessed you, and even the hardships in your life he will use to strengthen you.

So as you go into your workday and the pressures of the world try to steal your focus off Christ and his will for you – focus your heart to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.

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