THOSE WHO LOOK TO GOD

To look is to direct one's gaze in a specified direction. In life, it matters where you direct your gaze because it will guarantee your bearing, wellness, productivity, fulfilment and progress.

Reference: Psalm 34:5 New International Version (NIV)

'Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.'

To look to God is to gaze upon Him. The result of looking up to God is that your face will glisten with glory. You'll never wear a shame-face.

Focused gazing is a function of choice and concentration. Its an intentional act. Whatever you focus much on, you reflect the same image, knowingly or unknowingly. For instance, if you focus much on a problem, you'll begin to feel worried and it will reflect on your countenance. That is why when you look at someone's face, and they are worried, their problem will be written all over their faces. Sometimes, they don't need to tell you anything. You can read the problems yourself and your response to them will become an inspired impulse based on their worried looks.

Same way, when you look to God, your face will become radiant and shine. This is because God is never worried and so, you'll have an irresistible impulse to glow. How do you look to God? By focusing on Jesus and His glorious Word. According to 2 Corinthians 3:18, you must behold the Word to shine. The NKJV says, 'But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.' To behold is to look or observe (someone or something, especially of remarkable or impressive nature).

The Word of God is light. It causes you to shine when you focus on it. You can never walk in darkness if you gaze on it. Psalm 119:105 (NIV) says, 'Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.' God's Word is a lamp that guides your feet safely amid any danger in your pathway and a light that navigates you successfully, through the darkness of this world.

Beloved, you can go spiritually bankrupt in your faith walk, if you take your eyes off Jesus and start focusing on any contrary situation or challenge around you. Peter tried it and almost got sunk. Matthew 14:29-30 (NLT) says, 'Jesus said to Peter, "Yes come". So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted.' Seeing the strong wind and waves was a function of looking away from the Lord.

Hebrew 12:1-2 (NLT) implores us: 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.

Every time you focus on Jesus, the Word, you maintain and increase your faith. When you take your eyes away from Him and start observing the surrounding circumstances, your faith will definitely begin to sink. Look to God and you'll remain resolute, reflecting His glory.

Scripture Reading - 1 Chronicles 16:11; Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 9:10; Isaiah 40:31.

Guided Prayer:

Precious Father, I'm grateful today for inspiring me with the consciousness of fixing my eyes on you and for directing my feet on the path of righteousness. My heart is open to your leading, guidance, direction and purpose for my life. As I maintain my focus on the Word, your perfect peace guards my heart and affords me with calm tranquillity within my soul. I live true to my nature in Christ and I enjoy quite confidence, knowing that Jesus is the Author and Finisher of my faith. Thank you for guiding my will by your Spirit such that I would never be overshadowed by doubts or engulfed in unbelief. I stand firm at the centre of your perfect will where I stay fruitful and unceasingly productive, in Jesus' Name, Amen!