Turn your eyes upon Jesus!

I will life mine eyes to the hills, from whence cometh my help! Psalm 121:1

(Original art by Gina Welds Hulse)

The last few days have been really tough.  Just a few nights ago ago I was rushed to the hospital with difficulty breathing.  I had been experiencing coughing throughout the day, but by 1:30  the next morning,  I was having trouble breathing even after two breathing treatments.  My lungs felt like they were just spazzing inside of my chest.

After a tough call to call an ambulance, and checking my blood pressure and heart rate which by now was at 137 resting I was taken.

Long story, short, I was diagnosed with bronchitis, and sent home with a few prescriptions.

A few days have passed and I am feeling better, when I receive a tough text from a dear girlfriend.  She had taken her husband to the cardiologist for a stress test, which went horribly wrong after 3 seizures, and a mini stroke.

He is now in a medically-induced coma.  She is extremely stressed out, having a chronic illness herself, and I feel for her. 

I had just about had enough! On top of my many usual health problems, I had the awful experience of feeling this immense pain that my dear friend is going through.  I cannot imagine being in her shoes.

It was ironic, as this morning I started to go through my memories on Facebook.  You know....everyone gets them each day, and you can look back on several years based on what you had posted.  Well this morning one of my posts reminded me of a favorite hymn: Turn your eyes on Jesus.

The chorus goes like this:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in His wonderful face;
and the things of the earth will grow strangely dim,
in the light of His glory and grace.

Sometimes when you are going through a difficult time, it is hard to keep the focus on Jesus. This song is a gentle reminder to turn your eyes on Jesus, especially when going through difficult times. Those troubles will seem to fade when we blanket ourselves in His peace.

I can honestly say that if I didn’t keep my eyes on Jesus during my illness I would have become so down.  I can honestly say that If I did not reach out to others in this time of need for my friend, it would have been tougher for both of us.  We have been surrounded by prayer warriors, who have fed us spiritually, allowing us to grow and keep our minds off the pain, off the uncertainty, and to focus on the recovery and miracles that await us.

Blessings!