The Importance of What We Gaze At

So often, we get a tunnel-like vision and can only see our end goal and nothing else surrounding us. Where is this good? In forecasting for a job, in trying to get a deal, or in planning the next big event. In setting sets on the ultimate things, we don’t get distracted with little nuances that don’t really matter. This is really, really good. 

It’s important to zero in on a goal and to focus on that rather than all the noise around us. But, it’s only as good as what we’re focusing on.  For me, that goal is Jesus. 

How many know that just by looking at something doesn’t make the problem go away….As a procrastinator, by looking at my phone, all the things I have to do don’t magically disappear. But, it’s like the visors go up and suddenly nothing is as important as that cat video. Even though the to-do list still exists, it no longer seems as important. The same is kind of true in life. There’s always things going to be grabbing our attention: politics, global issues, crises, or maybe the more subtle things like discouragement, doubt, envy, and insecurity. Whatever it is, it’s screaming for your full attention so that you quickly become overwhelmed with the thought of even moving forward a step. 

This was true for me for so, so long and I wish I could say I never fall back into it. But, something did change for me...do you want to know what it was? I learned (and am learning) to simply glance at my problems and to gaze at Jesus. He has the answers. He is loving, kind, and extends mercy we don’t deserve. And He cares too much to leave us where we’re at. 

As we gaze at Him, all the little things that don’t matter go away and we gain His perspective on all the big things. This is not prosperity gospel - all our problems won’t go away. This does not mean we’ll never struggle again. But, it means He’s with us and for us. 

Did you know that Jesus intercedes for us to the Father? That’s right. 1 Tim 2:5-6 says, “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,” and Hebrews 8:1 says, “Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,”  Jesus is praying on YOUR behalf. The Bible also says His thoughts to you are uncountable; there are so many!

Now, it’s one thing to know something in your head but to also not really realize it for yourself. So, if you’re willing, please picture the most incredible, majestic thing in nature you’ve ever seen. For me it’s mountains. Can you imagine the creativity that went into making something like that? How many pieces make it up? Now, picture yourself in your mind. 

God loves you and cherishes you more than that beautiful piece of creation you were picturing. You’re His favorite. He thinks of you more than all the pieces it takes to make up that incredible nature. 

Isn’t that incredible?

The way we perceive things changes everything. If we picture God as a demanding deity who only asks things of His followers, or as someone who doesn’t really care about or see you, than you certainly wouldn’t want to gaze at Him. In that case, the problems seem like a better thing to look at. But, that’s not who God is. God loves you more than everything else He created. He gave everything for you. He designed you uniquely and well.

Have you ever thought about the fact that you are the only you? Like, no one has ever existed or ever will who is just like you. Therefore, you’re His favorite you. There’s no competition and He loves you as you are.

That’s the God I want to gaze at in all the craziness of life. Because, He won’t leave, He won’t condemn, He won’t stop loving us no matter what. 

Many thanks and blessings ya’ll! Have a good week!

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