Dear Reader,

In the quiet moments when the soul grows weary of its own reflection—when doubt, failure, and inner accusation crowd the heart—this poem was born. It is not the voice of one who has perfectly mastered the art of faith, but of a fellow pilgrim who has discovered the sweet liberation that comes when we stop staring into the broken mirrors of self and instead fix our eyes on Jesus.

The journey from self to Christ is not always dramatic; often it is a simple, daily turning. A choice to look away from our fluctuating feelings, imperfect efforts, and accusing whispers—and to look instead upon the Author and Finisher of our faith. In His suffering we find courage, in His cross we find forgiveness, in His resurrection we find hope, and in His glorious reign we find rest.

My prayer is that these lines might encourage you, as they have encouraged me, to lift your eyes. The freedom you long for is not found by trying harder to hold yourself together, but by beholding the One who already holds you.

May you know the deep peace that comes from looking unto Jesus.

With grace and affection,

The Poet

Hebrews 12:2

“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.” (KJV)

When tempests howled and self-accusing night

Enshrouded every hope the pilgrim knew,

They turned from fractured mirrors of their plight

And fixed their eyes upon the One most true.

They saw the Saviour tread a path of thorns,

Enduring scorn with meek, unyielding grace;

For joy set high beyond the cross He bore,

He drank the cup and took the sinner’s place.

The ancient foe still whispered, “Gaze within,”

Yet faith rejected every inward snare,

And lifted high where crimson mercy streamed,

Where guilt dissolved in pure, redeeming air.

No merit earned, no feeling’s fleeting tide

Could anchor what the restless soul required;

For Christ the Author wrote salvation’s stride,

And Christ the Finisher its peace inspired.

They watched Him rise in resurrection light,

Victorious over grave and shadowed claim;

Their anxious fears dissolved before that sight,

As heaven’s Advocate now spoke their name.

When sorrow’s forge pressed heavy on the heart,

The pilgrim glimpsed the crown the Victor wore;

Revived by glory brighter than their smart,

They rose renewed to run the race once more.

No longer chained by self’s relentless voice,

They walked in freedom purchased by the Lamb;

Each dawn awakened with a heavenward choice,

Each night found rest beneath the Shepherd’s hand.

The cloud of witnesses looked on with song,

Encircling saints who ran the path before;

Yet every gaze, like this one’s, turned along

To Jesus—Alpha, Omega, evermore.

When earthly race and fleeting breath shall cease,

This soul shall stand where endless glory brims,

To see Him face to face in perfect peace,

And join the endless hymn that worships Him.