Psalm 16:5-6
“The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.”

I used to get in trouble with my coaches when I ran cross country. Instead of focusing ahead on the finish, I would keep my eyes down on my feet. I would think that if I didn’t focus on how much longer I had to run, then the race would be easier. But I also didn’t pass very many people ahead of me, and I wasn’t prepared when the finish finally did come.

How easy it is to despair when I’m fixated on circumstances and obstacles directly in my path. This world is too big, my troubles are too near, I’m so small, and everything looks insurmountable. However, the Lord has a glorious finish prepared for me, and if I get my eyes off myself and onto him, everything else fades into his glory.