The Window to the Heart
Starvation. Hunger. Disease. Devastation. Death. Jeremiah’s heart was broke. As he was looking around at the war-ravaged city of Jerusalem he saw pain, sorrow and suffering. His eyes perceived the damage the Babylonian siege had caused. His heart was impacted by what he saw visually with his eyes. It is against this background we have this verse: Mine eye affecteth mine heart because of all the daughters of my city. (Lamentations 3:51)
In the middle of Jeremiah’s lamentation, he shares a universal truth that can be applied to every area of life. IF you are blessed with eyesight, the application of this verse can change your life.
What we look at impacts our heart. What we gaze upon influences our brain. What we stare at informs our decisions. The human eye can be the window of the heart. Here are several examples:
- If I constantly “window shop” my heart will grow discontent with what I do not have – yet.
- If I continually scroll through Amazon, my heart will desires things I may never truly need.
- If a look at a beautiful person is nurtured and cuddled in my mind, it could become lust in my heart. Longing for someone that does not “belong” to us is sin – according to Jesus.
- If I watch lots of TV or are constantly online, my eyes will see thousands of commercials that are designed to “pull at my heart strings” to cause me to buy their product. I tend to chuckle when I see doctor commercials: “Get sick so you can see me.” Or funeral home ads: “If you die, we can help!”
- Media studies suggest that Americans see between 4,000 and 10,000 ads each day. (redcrowmarketing.com) “Mine eye affected mine heart” is a truth believed by advertising agencies. They have believed it for years.
- Have you ever become hungry after seeing a commercial for a restaurant, soda, or chocolate? It could be be after all your meals for the day, but the impact of the eye affects your heart – and your stomach.
What are you looking at? Who are you looking to? Where you keep your eyes focused is eventually where your heart will lead you. That is why it is paramount to keep your eyes on Jesus. As Hebrews 12:2 says, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Keep you focus on Jesus.
- Do you find yourself unsatisfied in life? Look to Jesus.
- Do you find yourself “wanting more” things this world offers? Get your eyes off the stuff and look to Jesus.
- Do you find yourself without direction and purpose? Stop looking at the wrong things and get your eyes on Jesus.
Let what you look at impact your heart to cause a better view of Jesus. Clean up the windowsill of your heart. Guard your eyes. Be disciplined with the TV. Direct the eyes of your kids. Set Jesus in the window of your life (your eyes) and let your heart follow Him.
Find contentment in Jesus.
EDC Christian 