Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrew 12:1-2 (KJV)
In John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, our hero, Christian, seeks to rid himself of his burden of sin. Though Worldly Wiseman’s suggestions are wrong, his statements about the effects of a burden are true.
Worldly Wiseman: “I would urge you then, with all speed, to get rid of your burden; for your mind will not be at rest till then.”
Christian: “That is just what I seek to do. But there is no man in our land who can take it from me.” Pilgrim’s Progress Simplified Reading Series
When we accumulate troubles amid our daily routines, we may overlook their impact on our hearts and minds. But the longer we carry the weight, the more we feel the effects. In times like these, it is easy to become burdened with the cares of this life. But there is a solution: prayer.
Prayer is crucial in the lives of God’s people. I know I said it in my last devotional, but it is worth repeating. If our minds are to be at rest, we must unburden ourselves in prayer. For no man can soothe a troubled soul like Jesus!
If the cares of this life are weighing down your heart and mind, I hope you will take time to turn off the screen, shut out the noise, and get away with the Lord. I promise you will come away with a different mindset.
I’ll see you back here in a few weeks. Meanwhile, let’s pray for each other.
The Song
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free.
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.
Thro’ death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion:
For more than conqu’rors we are!
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!
Helen Howarth Lemmel Public Domain
If you’d like to learn more about Helen Lemmel and Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, visit Luke Powell’s YouTube channel here.
Gail Johnson 
Peace and comfort are found when we turn our eyes upon Jesus. Thank you for this beautiful message. Have a blessed week! 🙂
I agree with you, Melissa! Have a blessed week. 💕
Love PP and music that lifts the soul.
Both are a great way to point you to the Lord. Thanks for sharing!
We just sang this one this past Sunday. It has always been my mom’s favorite.
We sang the chorus! I was sharing with my SIL, and she said it had been on her mind as well. I believe some recognize the need to do as the song suggests. Thanks for sharing, Stephanie. 💕
Bunyan’s PP is a great allegory on the Christian life. I remember one project I had while writing for Positive Action for Christ (aka ProTeens) that involved revising PP, putting it into “modern English” for teens. I felt as though I were tampering with holy writ!
I can understand why! But I do like the idea of putting it into “modern English” for teens. I have several copies from Abeka homeschooling curriculum. My kids read it in grade school and in high school. Love it! Thanks for sharing!