Take the World, But Give Me Jesus
Take the World, But Give Me Jesus
“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” — Matthew 16:26 (NIV)
“Take the world, but give me Jesus!”
— Fanny Crosby
It’s Sunday morning, and there’s a lot going on in the world. I woke up early with the sunrise and planned to spend some quiet time in the Word. But instead, I reached for my phone and began scrolling—down rabbit holes of news and social media posts. When the quiet minutes passed, I felt the discontent and frustrated. I'd wasted something sacred: my attention.
The words of Fanny Crosby’s hymn echoed in my heart: “Take the world, but give me Jesus.” Oh, to live like that—to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1b-2). How much more content my heart would be. How much fuller my spirit. How much more joyful my soul.
Fanny Crosby, blinded as a baby by a sham doctor’s unqualified recommendation, prescribed an infection treatment that permanently damaged her eyesight. Still, she refused to live in bitterness. Instead, she chose to store the “jewel of contentment” in her heart. She reminds me, and all of us, that Jesus is everything we need. He said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). And when we fix our gaze on Him, we live that full, abundant life.
But when I turn my gaze to the world, I feel scattered. Overstimulated. Exhausted. The Lord’s eyes, however, are never distracted. “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (2 Chronicles 16:9). “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good” (Proverbs 15:3). I don’t need my eyes constantly on the world. The Lord is already watching. I can rest in that truth.
Social media and the news often breed discontent, fear, and anxiety. But the antidote is found in Paul’s words:
“The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:5b–7, NIV).
We often start quoting at verse 6, but I love the reminder that comes just before: “The Lord is near.” Because He is near, we can release our burdens.
Here’s how:
Pray – Talk to God honestly. Not as a keyboard warrior reacting online, but in true conversation with the Lord. If needed, talk with a spouse or trusted believer—after you’ve talked with Him first.
Petition – Pour it out on paper. Like a formal request to a higher authority, journaling can be a beautiful way to process pain and stress with God. It also becomes a record of His faithfulness over time.
With Thanksgiving – Even in the hard things, we can look for the good. Gratitude softens the soul and strengthens our faith.
How much healthier—how much spiritually stronger—would we be if we practiced these simple steps in the midst of trials, stress, or sorrow?
Paul closes this thought with a beautiful challenge:
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things... and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8–9).
Where do we find what is true and lovely?
In God’s Word. In worship. In fixing our eyes on Jesus. Hebrews adds, “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:3).
Friend, I don’t want to grow weary or lose heart. If you’re feeling drained, maybe it’s time to put down the phone, step away from the noise, and pick up the Word.
Take a break from scrolling and spend time in prayer.
Take a breath—and let it remind you:
Inhale: The Lord is near
Exhale: You are watching
Let’s grow stronger, together.