¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

– 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Some days, especially at this time of year, the light and momentary seem substantial and unending.

Almost everyone in our family is sick. We are all very busy with work and school. It’s cold outside and the landscape has turned from brilliant colors to drab brown. If you turn on the news or radio or even sports, we are inundated with negativity and opposition. Finally, We are all getting geared up for the holiday season with gift purchasing, party and travel planning and full stores and restaurants. The only real positive things are brought to us by a hero “skeptical white cat head” meme!

All of these things by themselves are not monumental, but together, they can wear us down. The only solution is to do exactly what the great words in 2 Corinthians say – Fix our eyes on what is unseen – Jesus and our helper, the Holy Spirit, are unseen, but they are forever.

The key word here is “Fix”. What does it mean to “Fix our eyes on” in this context? I believe that it means we have to continually focus. We can’t expect to solve this problem with a haphazard approach. We also can’t expect that a single thing will solve the trouble. To weather this storm we need more than just one prayer or one verse or one devotional or one worship song.

We need to focus on doing many of these things throughout our day to bust through the logjam of light and momentary troubles. The word promises that if we do this, we will be renewed day by day. The motivation to keep focus is our longing for eternal glory.

So, pray for the jerk that just cut you off, drop some change in that kettle, sing a little Silent Night or O Holy Night and don’t forget to pack your Bible and Devotional for quick reading throughout the day – we will get through this.

Photo by Lisa Fotios from Pexels