“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Life has its ups and downs. There are pinnacles of joy and valleys of sorrow. Whether we live in joyous contentment or hopeless despair, life is not as dependent on circumstances as we might think. Two people may react in an entirely different way to a given situation. One might be able to maintain peace and harmony, while the other may slip into depression. Why the difference? The answer often lies in the heart. Because attitude has such a great impact on a person’s life (Prov. 4:23; 23:7), a few suggestions from the above passage seem to be in order for the year ahead.
First, seek to be anchored securely to the Solid Rock. Some are like beach balls on the open sea, helplessly driven and tossed about by the storms of life. Hope disappears when life has no direction. But, for the child of God, hope is the anchor of the soul (Heb. 6:19). Security is found in being anchored to the One who remains forever as the great high priest between God and man (Heb. 6:20; 13:8). This hope does not disappoint, but provides a secure reference point leading to the eternal harbor of safety.
Secondly, the above passage teaches us to fix our eyes on Jesus. It is not enough merely to give Him some attention, we must fix our eyes on Him as the goal and object of our trust. Like Peter, we can become so concerned about the wind and waves around us that we turn our eyes from the only true source of spiritual life and guidance (Mt. 8:23-27). We must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus if we hope to successfully navigate life’s ups and downs.
Finally, we must run the race of life with endurance (Heb. 12:1-2). It is a drifting vessel that is most at peril. Similarly, we are most at peril when we drift toward complacency and indifference. One cannot finish the race if he quits running. One must practice endurance. Sure, there will be times of stumbling and faltering, but we must keep going regardless the cost. The biggest mistake one can make is to stop running! We must forever hope in Jesus, fix our eyes on Him, and finish the race.
— Glen Elliott —