I had this vision the other day of standing with outstretched arms, face toward the sun, a heart filled with praise. While every part of my soul cried out, while every part of my being tried to keep my eyes fixed on the One who is worthy…my feet were surrounded by mockers, tempters, distracters, mutilators of truth.
I tried and tried to push them away, to throw them off of me, to get them to leave me alone, but these poor, unfortunate souls wouldn’t go. My gaze returned to the One who is worthy, and quickly the thieves of the night were no longer consuming. Still there, yes. Still wrapping their horrors around my ankles and attempting to grab onto my outstretched arms, but my foundation was firm, my determination unyielding.
Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.
The surprising cry of the “Friday Night Lights” mantra rang from me. Clear eyes, focused on the One who is worthy. Full heart, filled with the truth of the Gospel and the many who love and support me. Can’t lose, a promise of victory over death, defeat, destruction, despair and the tears that pour from my eyes.
I might look broken, vanquished, and abandoned with predators up to my neck–but my feet are secure, my legs are strong, my arms held high, and my heart beating solely for the One who is worthy.
There’s a lot I don’t know about the world–and I feel like I learn that more and more every day. There’s a lot that still takes me by surprise, a lot that causes my heart to ache, a lot that tries to break us. I know that we exist in a world where evil dwells and tries to muffle our praise of the One who is worthy. I know how it feels to be up against the wall, with the odds against me.
But I also know the One who is worthy.
I know that, despite all of the darkness, all of the depravity, all of the confusion–there is much to hope for.
For through it all, my eyes will always come back to the One who is worthy.