The Upper Room Devotional 23 May 2026, Saturday Message
Focused on Jesus
Doug Wingert (Arizona, USA)
Today’s Reading
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. – Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)
When I was very young, I tried to teach myself to ride a bicycle, but I always ended up falling. I seemed to pedal straight into obstacles. My older brothers tried to coach me, telling me to keep my eyes on where I wanted to go instead of on the obstacles. But I was easily distracted by negative thoughts, worries, and potential dangers. When I finally took my brothers’ advice and kept my eyes on where I wanted to go, the distractions disappeared, and my bike rides became much more enjoyable.
My spiritual walk can also be full of distractions. Though scripture advises us to persevere and focus on Jesus, it is easy to become distracted, worried, or discouraged. But the Bible offers encouragement, and reading scripture daily helps us to keep our focus on “the race marked out for us.” Our spiritual lives are made stronger and we can find joy by “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
Thought for the Day
Fixing my eyes on Jesus helps me move forward with confidence.
Prayer Focus
To make my faith my top priority
Today’s Prayer
Wonderful God, help us to stay focused on your word so that we might persevere through the distractions of daily life. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 23 May 2026 is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More