In the darkness, papers shuffle, car engines start and eyes strain while rushing to the first appointment of the day. You debate stopping for coffee or anything that will give you energy, but as a result, you might be late to class. Deciding against it, you spend your day trying to comprehend lectures and conversations with friends while half asleep. You cannot wait to drive home, but your part-time job keeps you busy until late at night. After work, hours of homework stand in the way of sleep. Finally, at two in the morning, the day is forgotten and your tired body receives its needed rest. When life becomes full of time-consuming tasks and stress, how can we remain joyful and focus on what is truly important?
As humans and the world age, life is becoming more and more fast-paced. Elders place high expectations upon us that make us feel like we failed if not met. Along with classes, pressure to make decisions about our future worries us to a larger extent. Am I going to succeed or be happy with this career? Will I make enough money to support myself or my family? When will I be married? All of these frequent questions do nothing but add to the chaos.
If we allow fears and stress to take over, our quality of life may travel in a downward spiral. The world is only temporary, but time in Heaven is eternal. It is important to keep our focus on God and His plan for us when the earthly days become too much to handle. If we only consider what we want in this world, we will never become satisfied with what we accomplish.
When we let God take over our hearts, finding peace and joy becomes easier. Recognizing when to take a step back just to breathe can be hard to do when life is chaotic, but if we are able to make it a habit, I think it will help us shift our focus back to our true future: Heaven.
News, social media, school work, friends and intrusive thoughts all create a barrier between us and God. If the enemy can keep the spotlight on this perishable life, we will lose sight of God and Satan wins. In contrast, pushing back on that spotlight creates an environment where Satan loses and God prospers.
“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God… Those who are in the flesh cannot please God,” says Rom. 8:6-8. The vision is clear: leading with a God-focused path creates a more hopeful and fulfilling life.
Comments