Wandering Eyes

Training for Today: Run 2.5 Miles

Devotion: Wandering Eyes

After your loss, did you find yourself looking differently at moms who still had their children or moms who were still expecting? Did you look differently at a mom holding her infant or pushing the little one in a stroller? Did you look differently at your own children?


As your eyes wandered, did your thoughts wander as well? I know I’m guilty of this one. It upset me to listen to a pregnant woman complain about the size of her belly or how much the baby was kicking. At least that baby is healthy and growing, I would think. Be grateful for what you have. Does it frustrate you to hear a mom talk about her frustrations with her living children? Perhaps you think, Yes, but at least they’re still here with you. Oh, how Satan loves to play around in our minds!

Our theme verse for this week ends with this question, “How long will my enemy triumph over me?” (We’ll address this question on several levels, by the way.) How long will Satan play to our jealous, coveting, ungrateful sides? As long as he can. He wants your eyes to wander. He wants your eyes on the things you don’t have. He wants your eyes to search in discontentment. Just say no! Let’s read Hebrews 12:1-3 as we address the temptation of wandering eyes:

“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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

It’s clear that these verses are meant to guide us through difficult times – when Satan believes he has the perfect opportunity to strike, when our defenses are down, when we grow weary and lose heart. Let’s run the race! Let’s fix our eyes on our awesome Savior!

Prayer
Dear Father in Heaven, forgive me for my wandering eyes. In my sinfulness, I covet, judge, and lose sight of you. I deserve your punishment for these sins. Be merciful to me, and remind me that I am at peace with you through Jesus Christ! Amen.