I was racing back and forth and couldn't believe what still had to be done. Another day gone and so many tasks to accomplish, yet note enough time. I felt anxiety beginning to creep in and take a stronghold over me. Why were there so many burdens coming down, numerous lists that I hadn't even touched yet, and I was overwhelmed once again. Then I suddenly stopped, paused, and took a deep breath. I closed my eyes in distress and said four simple words that changed it all, "Jesus, please help me."
In life we can feel at times that the weight of world is coming down on us. It might seem like we can never get ahead or even catch up to where we are "supposed to be." Working tirelessly for that promotion, getting the kids to practice night after night, and having to do the million daily tasks of paying bills, household chores, and keeping everyone in the family situated. Step back and breathe. All of the things we must do, people we feel like we have to care for or the business of life should not and must not take us away from what this life was given to us for. Even the best situation, working to advance ourselves to provide for our future and family, something of highest regard cannot take first place on the medal stand of life. If Jesus is not on the top of the podium, whatever it is that is higher will rob us of what we are made for--Heaven.
In this 21st Century it is very easy to get distracted. We are consumed by a culture that needs results instantaneously. There is countless stimuli that infiltrates our lives on a daily basis. Much of the "noise" is not for our benefit and even that which is often distracts us from that which is most essential. This life is important, but we were made for more, we were made for Heaven.
We are laborers in God's vineyard and we are living for a Kingdom that is not of this world. Jesus said, "I am the vine and you are the branches (John 15:5) and then reminds us that "the harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few." (Matthew 9:37) When it becomes clear to us that we do have an important role and calling on this earth, however we were made for much more; then we can keep Christ at the center. When Jesus is the center of our lives the stuff, the tasks, the material desires, the agendas, the responsibilities, and even other relationships become a little lighter. They are still important, yet he enhances them all and will help us through it all. Not only will Jesus help us to survive, but our Lord will allow us to thrive. Our end goal is provided as a gift through the Lord's amazing grace and the blood of his cross (John 3:16).
Jesus came and lived in this world for a mere 31 or 32 years. He could have stayed on the scene for much longer and have done even more miracles and work on earth. However, as the Son of God, he knew full well that the Kingdom is not of this world. Jesus did say, "nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is in your midst." (Luke 17:21) He did tell people this for a reason, we will have slices and pieces of the Kingdom revealed to us here in the now, but it won't come to fulfillment until we meet our Lord face to face in Heaven. It is interesting that Jesus lived a fairly average life as a carpenter's son and then his final three years or so he dedicated to ministry. It is in the daily grind of life where we can meet our Lord on the road and take steps forward toward Heaven.
At times people say you become what you eat or you become who you center yourself around and upon. Well, when we center our lives on Jesus and realize that this is not the end, the burdens can be made lighter and the yolk not as heavy. We then focus on what truly matters and have an eternal outlook. So as you go into the hustle and bustle of the week, keep your eyes on the prize and fix yourself on Him. Then the Son will raise you up this day and on the last day when you appear with Him in glory.
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