I
have felt a bit overwhelmed lately. I suspect some of you can relate. It always
seems there are more things to be done than there are hours in the day. We talk
about setting priorities and focusing on what is important, but what if everything
seems to be important… and on fire… at the same time? All we can do is do the
best that we are able to do with the time, energy, wisdom, and resources
available to us. And sometimes that still isn’t enough.
At
such times it is good to remember the eternal perspective that ought to
characterize our lives. One day Jesus will return. One day every one of us will
stand before Him and give account for our lives. That is a sobering thing to
contemplate. How many of the things that worry me, occupy me, and cause me
stress today are going to be important on that day? Some of them will be
important, obviously. My work as a husband, father, and minister will matter
very much on that day. Whether I stayed close to Christ throughout my daily
tasks instead of allowing them to draw me away from him will matter as well.
But many of the specific items on my to-do list fade in significance when
viewed in the light of eternity. It is not that they are unimportant; it
is simply that their importance is relative and now placed in its proper
context.
You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD
forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.
(Isa. 26:3-4)
Humble
yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time
he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for
you.
(1Pet. 5:6-7)
Therefore,
since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside
every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance
the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of
our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising
the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb. 12:1-2)
May the Lord help us always to find rest and peace in
Him. –JME
