Hebrews 12:2

In contemporary discourse, there is a prevalent emphasis on the notion of "looking up" and "keeping one's chin up," among other similar exhortations. These expressions reflect society's attempt to maintain a positive outlook and evade confronting the harsh realities of existence. However, the significance of the upward gaze is contingent upon the subject of observation. The act of conducting research yields few benefits if it solely entails adopting a superficially positive outlook without considering the practicalities and challenges involved.

The Christian individual perceives and conducts themselves in a manner reminiscent of the snake-bitten Israelites, who were cured upon gazing at the brazen serpent. The invitation extended by God in Isaiah 45:22 is to "look unto me, and be ye saved." As believers, we engage in the Christian lifestyle by directing our focus towards Jesus, as stated in Hebrews 9:28. However, the significance of faith is contingent upon its aim, and the act of having faith holds meaning solely when directed towards the observation of Jesus.

Much of our contemporary act of searching yields no results, as it is devoid of any specific object of inquiry. Any entity, excluding the figure of Jesus, can only be seen as a source of dissatisfaction. He represents the sole object of the soul's attention that brings contentment. The individuals directed their gaze towards him, resulting in a sense of enlightenment and a lack of guilt reflected on their countenances (Ps. 34:5). Relying on optimistic attitudes such as "looking up" and "smiling through" with a sense of unwarranted hope, akin to the character Micawber, is insufficient for overcoming challenges. Direct your gaze towards Jesus.