Turn Your Eyes

“Looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the 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 12:2 NASB

Born in England, Helen Lemmel moved with her family to the United States where she became a vocal soloist and music teacher. She also composed hymns, many of which focused on her faith.

One of her most memorable hymns is “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” It was inspired by a Gospel tract that contained a sentence that struck a chord with her: The key was to focus our attention on Jesus and “look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim.” The tract reminded believers of the importance of looking to Jesus and making Him their priority.

Perhaps thinking about her own life, she wrote, “O soul, are you weary and troubled?” Everything was dark. The answer was to look to Jesus. He provides a life that is “more abundant and free.” Lemmel described how Jesus forgives, and in Him, sin no longer has dominion over us. Through Him, we are more than conquerors.

The message of this hymn is true for you. Do you have problems? Is your life filled with stress? Are you worried about your family, finances, or future? No matter what is going on, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face.” When you do, “The things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”

Reflection Question: What problems do you need to bring to Jesus today?