John 3:30
He must increase,
but I must decrease.
How could John the Baptist feel the need to say this? He is never recorded to have failed or denied the Lord. He followed Him, giving up his job, His home stability, traveling all over and preaching about the Savior.
It isn't recorded that he struggled with priorities. It isn't recorded that he struggled with the financial loss of a full time career. It isn't recorded that he felt the believers weren't taking good care of him when his camel's hair clothing and sandals were getting tattered. He never fussed about eating locusts in the wilderness.
Yet, this godly man, the forerunner of the Savior, felt the need to think MORE about Jesus and LESS about Himself.
What does that speak about OUR hearts?
When we go through a trial, health, financial, friendship, we can dwell on and relive each trauma over and over, but we're only increasing ourselves. If we read the verses that are appropriate for the situation, pray and praise the Lord for His promises, we're making Him increase.
The emphasis on ourselves is depressing. The focus on Him is encouraging.
The focus on our problems is overwhelming. The focus on His solution is deliverance.
Instead of thinking about a lack of money, rejoice in His promise to provide.
When physical sufferings overwhelm, turn your pain to praise, knowing those that suffer with Him will be glorified with Him.
We can even focus on our gifts, instead of the Giver of the gifts.
We can be so enamored with our blessings, and not truly worship the One who daily blesses us.
In good things and in hard things, we need to focus on Him.
TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There's light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
He must increase.
Good post. :)
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