Keep Your Eye on the Prize

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)

Recently we’ve talked about, based on psalms, pressing our roots down into the streams of living water flowing from the Lord being the key to weathering the storms of life (okay, so we used desert imagery.) Here James reasserts plainly the need for the steadfastness implied by the tree roots dipped into a flowing river so it has the resources to survive no matter what the weather of the world throws at it.

Let’s today take this blessing at giving us hope in times of trial, that we might press  on through them for the promised prize of a crown of life and eternity with the Lord we love. Remember what you’re fighting for and don’t quit. Hold fast to him, seek his presence. Don’t hide hurt and doubt down in your heart, however, pour it out before him in faith, then turn and praise him, leaning on his word and his promises to you.

We thank you, Lord, that you have promised a crown of life to those of us who love you, if we do not faint and desert you in the heat of trial and tribulation. Strengthen us to carry on. We pour out before you any hurt feelings and doubt dragging us down, and we name them specifically as we release them to you:

We love you, Lord, I pray we would show it today. Remind us, with prompting from your holy spirit, throughout this day, to turn our eyes on you and remember you’re the one we’re serving, and the goals you have given us, from your word and specifically in our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.