If you have ever tried on someone else’s glasses, you know just how blurry things can be. I have no desire to wear glasses that weren’t made for me. When we can’t see clearly, it can cause all sorts of problems from tripping and falling to misinterpreting and mistakes.
When we look at the world or others through lenses that weren’t made for us, we will not see clearly what God has intended for us to see. For example, fear creates such a diversion[1] that we can become so out of focus with our faith that reality and truth have blurred lines. Sometimes, it speaks so loudly we cannot distinguish between the voice of fear and the voice of Truth. The vision has been blurred—or lost entirely.
Recognizing the issue is the first step. I’m concerned that, sometimes, we stay so long in a state of fear and/or become out of focus to the point that we accept it as a part of who we are. We don’t recognize the problem; therefore, we think we have no need for the Great Physician to give us the correct prescription. May we never accept as who we are, those things that do not align with God’s Word. I’m convinced that the enemy would love to hold us back by keeping our focus on things that distract from truth.
When I have been bombarded by the things around me, whether media, information, opinions, chatter, etc., I know I need to step away for a bit. The Bible says, “Be still and know that I am God!…” Psalms 46:10. When we look at the example of Jesus, we see that He did just that…He would ‘steal’ (because that’s what it feels like sometimes) some time away to be alone and talk to God.
“But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.” Luke 5:16
“Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.” Mark 1:35
I know that we don’t need to be alone continually. Jesus was often with people. God designed us for togetherness. He knew how much we would need each other; however, He, also, designed us to ‘be still’ at times.
I tend to need more time alone than Steve. He has always been a people person, but that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t need time alone; however, he doesn’t need as much as I do to maintain balance. I, on the other hand, have always known that I enjoyed and looked forward to some me-time; but in recent years, I have recognized the absolute need for it. I feel it so strongly that I almost consider it as a call on my life. So to maintain balance, I may need a little more than others might.
I have recently developed a new schedule to try to have me-days weekly, at minimum, if possible. For me, it is a time to refresh and renew regularly— refocus, if you will. What ends up often coming from those times to myself are chats with God that may be a little different (or more in depth) than those on regular work days, or days when interruptions may be the norm of the day. In addition, I often feel a word or direction from Him that I may not have heard in the same way on those days that are a little noisier. I cherish those days. I love days with my family and friends, and church family. I love my job, and the friendships I have developed there. But the balance and joy that the days alone bring are almost indescribable. I have no doubt it has to do with the combination…
I need those days for refocusing and refreshing. That enables me to go to work and church and be better ready for encounters where I hope to shine my light, and gain from others. Being around others continually can create a static that can cause the vision to blur and the temporary retreat to be inviting…a cycle of balance…a cycle we see Jesus routinely doing.
…He took time alone…He spent a lot of time with people…He took time alone…He spent a lot of time with people.
…a cycle created by Him…for Him…and I believe, for us.
My me-days don’t always look the same. Sometimes, I write. Sometimes, I rest. Sometimes, I worship and dance. Sometimes, I have a bit of a movie day. But, regardless of the activity for the day, the uninterrupted time always produces connection/communication/communion with God that brings a restoration that causes me to want to be in contact and connection with others.
The conclusion of the matter:
- Check yourself / reflect routinely to see if your focus is on Jesus and not the goings-on of the world; or on people. Focusing on Him is the right prescription to clear blurry vision.
- Step away occasionally, but regularly, for time alone with Him.
- Assembling through church attendance and fellowship with other Christ-followers can help us to see clearly that we are here to spur one another on “to love and good works.”[2] I have found that just being in the presence of others walking the same path, regardless if we have a conversation or not, is encouraging.
- Guarding and nourishing our physical body is important; but not above our spiritual well-being. Doing so may lead to a vision so blurry that it changes the landscape of our heart.
- Seek God; read; and pray for wisdom and understanding that only He can give…so that none of us would be deceived.
- Celebrate progress, and hold on to victory in Jesus.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.”
Hebrews 12:1-4 NLT
The Easter season is upon us…a perfect time to remember–and refocus.
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*Side Note: I hope you never think that I think I’ve arrived. In writing and sharing with you, I hope that we will both be encouraged in our faith-walk to always keep on keepin’ on…
The reward is great–and the celebration will be ‘out of this world’!
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•Written: Tuesday, March 9, 2021–on a ‘me-day’ 😉
[1] divert: to turn aside or from a path or course; deflect; to route on a detour; to draw off to a different course, purpose, etc.
[2] Hebrews 10:24 NLT
Simply Celebrate With Jackie 