Let us fix our eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)
Helen Howarth Lemmel, the author and composer of this hymn was also a brilliant singer who studied voice in Germany before returning to the midwest. She toured widely in the early 1900's, giving concerts at churches.
In 1918, she was given a tract by a missionary friend, entitled "Focused." The pamphlet contained these words, "So then, turn your eyes upon Him, look full into His face and you will find that the things of earth will acquire a strange new dimness."
Miss Lemmel recalled the experience she had upon reading these words:
“Suddenly, as if commanded to stop and listen, I stood still, and singing in my soul and spirit was the chorus, with not one conscious moment of putting word to word to make rhyme, or note to note to make melody. The verses were written the same week, after the usual manner of composition, but none the less dictated by the Holy Spirit.”
Personally, I have no trouble believing her recount of this divine occurrence. How many of us have experienced the very happening which Miss Lemmel writes about in her chorus?
No matter how large or small, hurtful or benign our situation may be, when we shift our focus from our circumstances to our Savior the situation fades and our way becomes clear.
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.
This assurance is not pie in the sky or wishful thinking. The last stanza makes it known that clarity comes from His word and the hope we receive is one we must share!
His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!
Blessings,
You can find the entire series here.
Listen to Lauren Daigle's version (my new favorite) here.
Find a more traditional version here.
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If you read something here that inspired you, I’d love to hear about it. Please know I appreciate every comment! Thanks so much for stopping by! Blessings, June