Devotional
In a world full of disappointments, where do you look for hope? People will let you down—even the best of them. Circumstances will change, often when you least expect it. But there’s one constant, one unchanging source of hope that will never disappoint: Jesus Christ. When we fix our eyes on people, we set ourselves up for disappointment. Even the most faithful friends, the most loving family members, and the most dedicated leaders are human. They have bad days, make mistakes, and sometimes fail us. This isn’t a criticism—it’s simply the reality of being human in a broken world. But Jesus is different. He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever. His love never wavers, His promises never fail, and His character never changes. When we fix our eyes on Him, we find a stability that no earthly relationship or circumstance can provide. Fixing our eyes on Jesus doesn’t mean we ignore the people in our lives or become isolated. It means we find our primary source of identity, worth, and hope in Christ, which actually frees us to love others better. When we’re not looking to people to meet needs only God can meet, we can appreciate them for who they are without the pressure of unrealistic expectations. Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him—the joy of presenting us to the Father as His redeemed children. That’s the love that motivated His sacrifice, and that’s the love we can count on every single day. When everything else shifts and changes, His love remains constant.
Bible Verse
‘Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.’ – Colossians 3:1-2
Reflection Question
What or who have you been looking to for stability and hope that might be disappointing you, and how can you redirect your focus to Jesus instead?
Quote
“Quit looking at people, they’ll disappoint you. Don’t look at me. I’ll disappoint you. I disappoint myself. I’m honest. Don’t look at people. Fix your eyes on Jesus.” -Pastor Jerry Madden
Prayer
Jesus, forgive me for the times I’ve looked to people or circumstances for the security that only You can provide. Help me to fix my eyes on You, finding my hope and identity in Your unchanging love. Free me to love others well without unrealistic expectations. Amen.