8 But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign LORD; in you I take refuge--do not give me over to death. 9 Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, from the traps set by evildoers. 10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety.

As I read this passage, there are two more that come to my mind. The first is Hebrews 12:2: 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. The second is Colossians 3:1-2: Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

What is our goal in life? What are our priorities? What guides us and motivates us? Jesus tells us that what is in our hearts will control our lives. He also tells us that we cannot serve two masters; we will love one and hate the other or hold to one and despise the other. Add to this what John tells us when he says that we are not to love the world or the things of the world because anyone who loves the world does not have the love of God in him. Are our eyes set on God, on Jesus, on things that are above?

Many years ago I had an old gentleman tell me how to mow in a straight line. He first said that I should never look just in front of the mower. He then explained that when doing this we loose sight of what lies ahead and thus veer off to the right or to the left. Instead, he said I should find a mark at the end of the row I was mowing and keep my eye on it the entire time I was mowing that row. By doing this the row would be straight. This is much the same as these verses above. When we take our eyes off of our goal and begin to look around us, we get distracted by the things of this world. We get caught up in all of the hustle and activities (not necessarily things that are wrong – some are maybe even necessary) to the point that we forget about God and his will in our lives. Keeping our eyes on Jesus allows us to live by faith. Therefore, living by faith, when we face any trial or decision we have the strength and wisdom to deal with it because we know that God is living in us thru his Spirit. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

O God, please give me a greater faith so that I may live for you. Help me to never become distracted by the things of this world. Help me to keep them in the proper perspective so that I never fall in love with here and now instead of loving you with all my heart, soul and mind. Please fill me with your Spirit so that I can understand your will and follow it. Perfect your love in me so that I can know how to forgive and love others. I pray in Jesus name.

May God bless each of us as we focus on him and the things above.