But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge – do not give me over to death. Psalm 141:8
Remember when you were a child your mother would hold your face and say, “I want you to look at me when I’m speaking.” It was impossible not to give her your attention. I thought of this when Dad Huffman – my secretary’s father – was in a hospital intensive care unit. Because he was “fixed” in one position with a bulky ventilator down his throat, he was very anxious. My secretary had a great idea. She printed out in large letters several Bible verses of encouragement and taped them in his line of sight. Everywhere his eyesight was fixed, she put a scripture – on the bar overhead, on the corkboard, and hanging from the wall-mounted TV.
Like a horse with blinders, like a child whose parent is holding his face, Dad Huffman couldn’t miss the message: “I am your Lord, your comforter and encourager. Listen to my words. I want you to look at me when I’m speaking.” With his head stuck in one position with the ventilator, only one glorious thing filled his view: the Word of God.
These scriptures served as a powerful witness to the nurses and doctors who came to check on Dad Huffman, including the respiratory therapist and the little Mexican lady who mopped the floor everyday. They were able to see firsthand how anxiety and fear dissipated from Dad Huffman’s countenance. Isaiah 50:7 underscores how one-directional we should be, “I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.” Write your favorite scriptures on 3×5 cards and place them at work, in the kitchen, or inside your closet. Keep the Word of God in your line of sight today.
Lord, I don’t want to turn to the right or the left; I want to keep scripture front and center in my thinking. Bring your Word often to mind as I go throughout my day.
Blessings,
