Tozer in the Morning – GETTING GOD IN FOCUS
While many are busy trying to set forth satisfactory definitions of the word “faith,” we do well to simply consider that believing is directing the heart’s attention to Jesus! It is lifting the mind to “behold the Lamb of God,” and never ceasing that beholding for the rest of our lives. At first this may be difficult, but it becomes easier as we look steadily at His wondrous Person, quietly and without strain. Distractions may hinder, but once the heart is committed to Him the attention will return again and rest upon Him like a wandering bird coming back to its window. I would emphasize this one great volitional act which establishes the heart intention to gaze forever upon Jesus. God takes this intention for our choice and makes what allowances He must for the thousand distractions which beset us in this evil world. So, faith is a redirecting of our sight, getting God in our focus, and when we lift our inward eyes upon God, we are sure to meet friendly eyes gazing back at us!
Tozer in the Evening – What to Do with Burdens
“If a burden is laid on my back and another immediately takes it off and carries it himself,” said Meister Eckhart, “it can make no difference to me whether it is one or a hundred pounds.”
In the Scriptures, there would seem to be three kinds of burdens recognized. First, the burden of loving help which we are admonished to give to others: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Secondly, the burden of moral responsibility which no one can shift to another: “For each one should carry his own load” (Galatians 6:5). Thirdly, the burden resulting from our fallen state, consisting of sin, fear, worry, disappointments, sorrows, remorse, bitter memories and self-accusations.
The first burden never harmed a soul. The second may even be a source of quiet comfort if our hearts are right. It is the third sort that ages and shrivels and kills. And there is no valid reason for our carrying it (or them, for there are many of this kind). “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you” (Psalms 55:22). That was what the good Eckhart had in mind when he suggested that no burden would be heavier than any other if the Lord carried it for us.