A woman who did much reading and research began to have great difficulty with her eyes and so consulted an opthalmologist. After examination he said, "Your eyes are just tired; you need to rest them." "But," she replied, "that is impossible; my work demands that I make much use of them." After reflecting for a moment, the doctor said, "Have you any wide views from your home?" "Oh yes," she answered with enthusiasm, "From the front porch I can see the noble peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and from the rear windows I can look out upon the glorious Allegheny foothills." "Very well," replied the doctor, "that is just what you need. When your eyes feel tired, go look steadily at your mountains for ten minutes—twenty would be better—and the far look will rest your eyes!"

What is true in the physical is also true in the spiritual. The eyes of the soul are often tired and weary from gazing at the problems and difficulties that beset us on our pilgrim way. The upward look—the far look—will restore our spiritual perspective.

Often we have to admit with the Psalmist, "Innumerable evils have compassed me about … so that I am not able to look up" (Psalm 40:12). If by grace we roll these cares upon the Saviour and seek His aid, we shall, with the help of the Holy Spirit, be able to look above our circumstances.

If we fail to exercise our willpower in the direction of "setting our affections above," God may have to take away from us that present treasure, dear as it may be, which is making us so earthbound. In fact, He may well lay us upon a bed of affliction that we may better "look up." Let us say, therefore, with spiritual determination, I will "direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up" (Psalm 5:3).

—Sel.