Michael W. Smith - Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus Lyrics
Lyrics
O soul are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There's light for a look at the Saviour,
And life more abundant and free.
Refrain
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His Glory and Grace.
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion -
For more than conquerors we are!
Refrain
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His Glory and Grace.
His Word shall not fail you - He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well;
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell.
Refrain
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His Glory and Grace.
Video
Michael W Smith - Turn Your eyes upon Jesus(HD)
Meaning & Inspiration
Michael W. Smith's rendition of "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus," featured on his 2001 album *Worship*, is far more than a mere musical arrangement; it's a profound, spiritual invocation. While the original hymn, penned by Helen H. Lemmel, has resonated with believers for generations, Smith's interpretation breathes a fresh, powerful life into its timeless message. The song arises from a deep well of Christian devotion, offering solace and a steadfast direction in times of weariness and spiritual darkness. The lyrical foundation itself is a pastoral call to shift one's focus from the trials of this world to the unchanging, radiant presence of Jesus Christ. This isn't a song about fleeting emotions; it's about a deliberate redirection of the soul, a turning towards the ultimate source of light and life.
The core message of "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" is one of profound hope found in beholding Christ. When the world feels overwhelming, when "no light in the darkness" seems apparent, the song directs us to a singular, powerful solution: "Look full in His wonderful face." This act of looking is not passive; it's an active engagement with the Savior that promises to reorient our perspective. The phrase "the things of earth will grow strangely dim" is a powerful testament to the transformative power of spiritual focus. As we fix our gaze upon Jesus, the worries, anxieties, and transient pleasures of earthly life lose their grip, their significance fading in comparison to the overwhelming glory and grace radiating from Him. This mirrors the apostle Paul's declaration in Philippians 3:8, where he counts all things as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus. The song also speaks to the assurance of salvation and victory in Christ. The lyrics assure us that through His sacrifice and resurrection, He has passed "through death into life everlasting," and we, by following Him, are no longer bound by the dominion of sin. This echoes Romans 8:37, which boldly states, "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." This victory is not a product of our own strength but an inheritance received through faith in Christ. Furthermore, the song emphasizes the reliability of God's promises. "His Word shall not fail you – He promised; Believe Him, and all will be well." This call to belief and trust in God's unwavering faithfulness finds its roots in numerous biblical passages, including Hebrews 10:23: "Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope, without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." The concluding verses challenge believers to carry this message of "perfect salvation" to a world in need, a direct echo of the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20, urging us to share the good news with all nations. Michael W. Smith's recording of this classic hymn serves as a powerful reminder that true perspective, enduring peace, and ultimate victory are found not in the shifting sands of the world, but in the unshakeable, glorious face of our Savior, Jesus Christ.