Keep Your Eyes on God: Think of Him!

Have you ever met someone that just loves life? This person probably gives big hugs, laughs a lot, encourages others and always has something positive to say. If you know one of these people, you probably enjoy being around them and feel inspired or encouraged by their company. Fanny Crosby, the American hymn writer, was one of these people.  She was diagnosed with blindness at a young age and despite her circumstances, chose to see the good in life. She describes this experience from a unique perspective. “As I grew older they told me I should never see the faces of my friends, the flowers of the field, the blue of the skies, or the golden beauty of the stars… but I made up my mind to store away a little jewel in my heart which I called “content.” 

When she was only eight years old she wrote the following:

O what a happy soul am I! Although I cannot see,

I am resolved that in this world

Contented I will be

How many blessings I enjoy

That other people don’t.

To weep and sigh because I’m blind,

I cannot, and I won’t 

Although it’s hard to remain positive despite the cards that we’ve been dealt, the truth is, we have the choice. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” 

Someone once asked Fanny Crosby, “Do you wish you had not been blinded?” She replied, “Well, the good thing about being blind is that the very first face I’ll see will be the face of Jesus.” Fanny chose to reflect on the good in her circumstances. She chose to think on what was pure, excellent and praiseworthy. Today, I encourage you to follow her example. You won’t regret it.