Eyes Upward, Heart At Rest
A quiet view above the clouds, a reminder to set the mind where Jesus is.
Devotional Credit: His Victorious Indwelling, compiled by Nick Harrison, reading by T. Austin-Sparks
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Colossians 3:2 calls me to set my mind on things above, not on earthly things. T. Austin-Sparks reminds us that believers drift when our inner gravity settles on what is passing. The early church kept a living sense of heaven’s call. That vision moved ordinary people to live from Jesus, not from the narrowing pull of this world.
I recognize that same pull in daily life. Emails pile up, news cycles spin, expectations mount, and my inner focus slides toward what is urgent rather than what is eternal. The writer is not scolding, he is inviting. He points to the joy of hearts captured by something greater than this life, hearts convinced that God has done something in them and for them.
The invitation is simple. Let the center of gravity shift. Not by straining, but by looking where Jesus is, at the right hand of God. When my attention is set above, usefulness on earth grows, because motive and power flow from the indwelling Spirit rather than from pressure or pride.
So today I am grateful for this nudge from T. Austin-Sparks. It is a call back to the upward gaze, to the steady awareness that my life is hidden with Jesus in God, and that real fruit comes from abiding, not from anxiety.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I turn your attention upward. Set your mind on things above. You died with Jesus, and your life is hidden with Him in God. You have been raised with Him, so seek the things that are above where He is seated. I renew your mind as you present yourself to God, and I guide you to think on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy. Do not be conformed to the pattern that presses from the world. Fix your eyes where I have seated you with Christ, far above the ruling voices that demand your allegiance.
You are a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come. I bear witness that you are united with the Lord in spirit. When earthly concerns tug, walk by Me. I set your inner compass to the kingdom, I direct your steps, I supply peace that guards heart and mind in Jesus. Your usefulness does not depend on noise or hurry. It flows from abiding, from attention set on the things above, from confidence that Christ is your life.
When you notice your gaze sinking, turn again. Consider what is unseen, eternal, weighty with glory. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. I am faithful to finish what I began in you. Keep your mind stayed on Me, and you will know steady peace.
Scripture references: Colossians 3:1 to 4, Colossians 3:2, Romans 6:6 to 11, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Corinthians 6:17, Romans 12:1 to 2, Philippians 4:8, Hebrews 12:2, 2 Corinthians 4:18, Matthew 6:33, Romans 8:5 to 6, Philippians 4:7, Philippians 1:6, Isaiah 26:3, Ephesians 2:6, Galatians 5:16, John 15:4 to 5.
Real-Life Analogy
On my phone there is a Focus setting that silences notifications. With one tap, the screen stops flashing, and I give attention to what matters in front of me. Setting the mind on things above works like that. I choose where to place attention, and the Holy Spirit quiets the pings that once ruled my mood and pace.
Try this today. Before a conversation that usually stirs pressure, pause and turn your inner Focus to where Jesus is. Say, Lord, I trust You to express Your life in me right now. Then step in with a calm heart, listening, answering with grace, and letting the Spirit carry your words and presence.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that my life is hidden with Jesus in You. Thank You for seating me with Him, for renewing my mind, and for steady peace as I set my attention where He is. I receive this day as a place for Your life to be seen through me. Lord, I trust You to live Your life in me and through me in this moment.