Jesus Calling: Turn Toward Me

Editor's note: For over 20 years, readers have enjoyed spending time in the presence of the Savior with the much-loved daily devotions in Jesus Calling. Enjoy this excerpt from the brand-new Jesus Calling Commemorative Edition and pick up your copy today.

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Jesus Calling: Turn Toward Me

Make Me your focal point as you move through this day. Just as a spinning ballerina must keep returning her eyes to a given point to maintain her balance, so you must keep returning your focus to Me. Circumstances are in flux, and the world seems to be whirling around you. The only way to keep your balance is to fix your eyes on Me, the One who never changes. If you gaze too long at your circumstances, you will become dizzy and confused. Look to Me, refreshing yourself in My Presence, and your steps will be steady and sure.

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. — Hebrews 12:2

But You remain the same, and Your years will never end. — Psalm 102:27

This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in His presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and He knows everything. — 1 John 3:1-20

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Welcome problems as perspective-lifters. My children tend to sleepwalk through their days until they bump into an obstacle that stymies them.

If you encounter a problem with no immediate solution, your response to that situation will take you either up or down. You can lash out at the difficulty, resenting it and feeling sorry for yourself. This will take you down into a pit of self-pity. Alternatively, the problem can be a ladder, enabling you to climb up and see your life from My perspective. Viewed from above, the obstacle that frustrated you is only a light and momentary trouble. Once your perspective has been heightened, you can look away from the problem altogether. Turn toward Me, and see the Light of My Presence shining upon you.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. — 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence, O Lord. — Psalm 89:15

Excerpted with permission from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, copyright Sarah Young.

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Your Turn

Are problems plaguing you and dragging you down? Are you stressed and worries and spinning on a particular trouble? What if we set those things aside today and focused on Jesus instead? He will steady our feet and clear our paths. ~ Devotionals Daily