We’ve had a rough week. Three funerals (my husband is a minister), a close friend confessing an adulterous relationship, a torn tendon, a sinus infection, and we had to “put down ” our favorite horse — all while trying to pack to leave for a mission trip to Africa. I’m not surprised at all that’s happened. Life often tends to get intense right before we leave town. It’s easy to get discouraged and wonder if “this trip is worth it” or to become disappointed by the behavior of someone whom you so admired. Life is full of disappointments and discouragements. These are two of our enemy — Satan’s — best tools because they are so subtle.

Good friends prayed for us this morning and in the process we were reminded of the great holiness of God. As we held hands in a small circle and prayed, we felt that we were standing on Holy Ground. We focused on how Big and Powerful and Holy is our Lord. Shifting our eyes from ourselves and our situations back onto His majesty puts everything else into perspective. He understands our feelings, but He’s not thrown by them, and He is stronger than the enemy’s tools of discouragement and disappointment. He alone gives peace and hope.

No matter whether we are empty nesters, new moms or newlyweds, it is helpful in times of discouragement to turn our eyes upon Jesus and look full in His wonderful face, and then the cares of this world will grow strangely dim in the light of His power and grace. (From the hymn, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, Helen H. Lemmel, 1864-1961.)