Keeping our Eyes on Jesus

Finding Peace in a Worry-Filled World

In a world filled with distractions and constant demands for our attention, it's easy to lose focus on what truly matters. We often find ourselves caught up in the whirlwind of daily life, our minds occupied with concerns about finances, health, and the future. But what if there was a way to find peace amidst the chaos? What if we could learn to shift our gaze from our worries to something greater?

The key lies in where we choose to fix our eyes. Just as a driver needs to keep their eyes on the road to navigate safely, we too need to maintain our spiritual focus to navigate life's challenges. But where should that focus be?

The answer is simple yet profound: Jesus.

When we keep our eyes on Jesus, everything else falls into perspective. It's not about ignoring our problems or pretending they don't exist. Rather, it's about understanding that our worries don't have the final say. By shifting our focus to Christ, we open ourselves up to His peace, guidance, and provision.

But how do we practically keep our focus on Jesus in a world that constantly vies for our attention? Here are a few insights to consider:

1. Examine Your Treasures

Jesus once said, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

This teaching invites us to reflect on what we truly value. Are we living for temporal things that will eventually fade away, or are we investing in eternal matters? Our focus naturally gravitates towards what we treasure most. If we find ourselves constantly preoccupied with material possessions or worldly success, it might be time to reassess our priorities.

2. Guard Your Spiritual Vision

Jesus also spoke about the importance of having a "healthy eye." He said, "The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness."

This metaphor speaks to our spiritual perception. When our spiritual vision is clear and focused on Christ, it illuminates every aspect of our life. However, if we allow our spiritual sight to become clouded by worldly concerns or sinful attitudes, it can cast a shadow over our entire being.

3. Choose Your Master Wisely

"No one can serve two masters," Jesus declared. "Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."

While this teaching specifically mentions money, the principle applies to anything that competes for our ultimate allegiance. We must decide who or what will be the driving force in our lives. Will it be our fears and worries? Our desire for comfort and security? Or will it be our trust in God and His promises?

4. Learn from Nature

To illustrate God's care for His creation, Jesus pointed to the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. These creatures don't worry about their provision or appearance, yet God takes care of them. How much more, then, will He care for us who are created in His image?

This doesn't mean we should be irresponsible or neglect planning for the future. Rather, it's an invitation to trust in God's loving provision, even when circumstances seem uncertain.

5. Seek First the Kingdom

Perhaps the most powerful antidote to worry is found in Jesus' words: "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

When we make God's kingdom and His righteousness our primary pursuit, we align ourselves with His purposes. This shift in focus doesn't magically erase our problems, but it does put them in proper perspective. We begin to see our challenges through the lens of God's sovereignty and love.

6. Live in the Present

Jesus concluded His teaching on worry with these words: "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

This is a call to live in the present moment, trusting God for today's needs and not borrowing trouble from the future. The "what if" game of imagining worst-case scenarios rarely helps and often paralyzes us with fear.

Practical Steps for Maintaining Focus

So how can we practically apply these teachings to our daily lives? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Start each day with focused time in prayer and Scripture reading. This helps set our minds on Christ from the outset.

2. Practice gratitude. Regularly thank God for His blessings, both big and small. This cultivates a heart of contentment and trust.

3. Serve others. When we focus on meeting the needs of those around us, it often puts our own worries in perspective.

4. Memorize Scripture. Having God's Word hidden in our hearts provides a powerful tool for redirecting our thoughts when worry creeps in.

5. Surround yourself with encouraging believers. We need community to help us stay focused and accountable.

6. Fast from distractions. Periodically abstain from things that tend to pull your focus away from God, whether it's social media, certain entertainment, or other activities.

7. Regularly examine your priorities. Ask yourself, "What am I living for? What excites me most?"

In conclusion, keeping our eyes on Jesus is not a one-time decision but a daily choice. It's about continually redirecting our gaze from our circumstances to our Savior. As we do this, we'll find that our worries begin to lose their grip, and we experience the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Remember, God knows your needs before you even ask. He loves you and has promised to care for you. So today, whatever you're facing, choose to fix your eyes on Jesus. Let His peace guard your heart and mind, and trust that He is working all things together for your good.