Can you agree that we live in a day that is so full of distractions? A day that is also full of an over abundance of “to do” lists, unfinished projects, and lots of multi-tasking. And an emphasis and almost a pressure to doing “all the things” in as little time as possible. But here’s the thing. With all that goes on in the day to day, the most important thing for us to do, is to focus on the One that gives us life. Keeping our eyes on Jesus.
I watched Black Beauty with the kids this past weekend,. It’s currently streaming on Disney +, if you’d like to catch it. I read the book when I was younger and our older daughter also read the book a few years ago, so it was a great movie to watch together.
But as I was watching, there was a scene when Beauty had become a stage coach horse (hopefully this isn’t a spoiler). She was pulling a coach in the snow and she had something partially covering her eyes. It was “blinkers” also called “blinders”.
Now blinkers are made of plastic or leather and are attached to the horse’s bridle or hood. And it prevents horses from seeing to the rear and side. So that they will look forward. It also helps them to relax and to pay attention to the task ahead.
Per Wiki, “driving horses commonly wear blinkers to keep them from being distracted or spooked, especially on crowded city streets…Many racehorse trainers believe that blinkers keep horses focused on what is in front, encouraging them to pay attention to the race rather than to distractions such as crowds.”
Less Distractions, More Focus
So of course this made me think of our walk with Christ. And Oh, if we could just keep looking forward! If we could continue in pressing TOWARDS the mark of the prize of the high calling which is in Christ (Philippians 3:14).
Because this narrow road that we travel is challenging. It’s not easy. And we often find ourselves looking to the left and to the right. Even looking back instead of looking forward.
So as I thought about the “blinkers” that are used for horses to help keep them focused and centered on what’s ahead. I thought, what if, as believers, we put on “spiritual” blinkers!
As Believers, may we put on our “spiritual” blinkers. Such that we can keep our eyes focused on Jesus. Focused on what he has placed in front of us to do. To do what He has called us to do, for Him and His Kingdom. And focused on what matters most.
May we put on our spiritual blinkers…
To minimize the distractions.
The noise of today’s news.
And the busyness of the crowds and on-lookers.
To drown out and put away the chatter of voices that try to sow discord, doubt and division.
And may we remain focused on the steps that God have already ordered for us. Keeping our eyes and our minds stayed on Him. Keeping our eyes on Jesus.
Psalm 91:14-15 (ISV) “Because he has focused his love on me, I will deliver him. I will protect him because he knows my name. When he calls out to me, I will answer him. I will be with him in his distress. I will deliver him, and I will honor him.”
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