Stepping Stones: What Tree Will You Fix Your Eyes On?

Transformational Thought

Recess was always my favorite part of the school day, and when I wasn’t playing some ball sport, I loved some of the contraptions in the schoolyard. One of my favorites was a merry-go-round that was about 15-20 feet in diameter and 18 inches off the ground, and that spun really fast. It was a lot of fun bringing it up to speed, then jumping on and whizzing around. Some people, especially the girls, would get dizzy. But I didn’t because someone told me I should train my eyes on a fixed point (a tree or building was the easiest) while spinning. This little tip, so simple and easy to do, made a huge difference and allowed ease, fun, and peace while life was wildly moving around.

Well, the world around us is changing faster than we can even measure … and that’s an understatement. It is a time of rapid growth, over-stimulation, and economic and governmental instability. The ride is spinning so fast. Yet we yearn for calm, stability and even permanence, (which usually equates with security and peace) right now, for the near future, and for eternity. Yearning for permanence is a good thing. It keeps us from getting distracted and spinning dizzily on the ever-moving merry-go-round of life.

To keep our wits about us, avoid sickness, see clearly, and walk in the right direction under adversity, we need to resist the dizzying effects of the lightning fast thrill ride we are strapped onto. There is only one way to have a fighting chance in the spiritual battle, and that is to fix our eyes on the most immoveable and permanent object that will ever exist. Keeping focused on God’s character, instruction, and promises will allow you to navigate with dramatic ease and success.

We sometimes struggle with stability and permanence, feeling it’s too predictable or conventional, even boring. We think spontaneity, surprise, newness, or uniqueness is more desirable, exciting, stimulating, or soothing. Isn’t it interesting that when we go on vacation we don’t sleep as well, have some stomach upset with diarrhea or constipation, need to nap, feel discombobulated, and then return home without feeling rested? Many people bring sleeping pills, Tums, Advil or other meds to help get them through vacation! Why? Because we are out of our routine, aren’t grounded, and lose sight of what is steady and true.

We have to resist the urge to let our eyes wander and bounce from transient objects to quick fixes that come over the horizon. The world provides so many imposters for stability, you will get dizzy bouncing your gaze from one to the other.

Today, when you feel you are on wobbly ground, turn to the steadiest object, where you will find a firm place to stand. Know He has stood the test of time, is dependable, and wants to stabilize your mind and heart. Turn to the one who never changes, your Lord. Seek His wisdom and principles for the situation that is making you a bit dizzy. As you stand on the foundation He has provided, you can watch the world change with an entirely different perspective. Choose Him to be the Lighthouse you focus on and you will not get dizzy. Instead, enjoy the ride of your life. WITHIN REACH helps you focus on Him in all your decisions.

Prayer
Dear Father, I know that in this time of unrelenting change You are the one who never changes. You are the Alpha and the Omega. Sometimes my head spins with all the changes in the world going on around me. The more I focus on the changes, the more unsteady I become. While I long for stability and permanence, I know I will not find it in this world. I turn to You, Father. I know only You can give me a firm place to stand. Draw near to me and my seeking heart. I pray in the name of my Guiding Light, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.”
Revelation 21:6

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18:2