It’s difficult to focus. I don’t know where to begin. Laundry, dishes, read a book, weed the garden, prepare for group, call my mom, get prescriptions refilled, run errands, and so much more. The list seems long. It’s overwhelming. I pick up my phone as an automatic response, hoping to shut down the chaos in my head, but it only adds more to it.

But, then I see it: Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. And it hits me. The best place to start is with Jesus. Fixing My Eyes.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)

This is a common scenario for many of us. We can see all of the tasks and demands of life we are facing and become overwhelmed. Overwhelmed to the point that we do nothing. We turn to something that doesn’t “fix” the problem, but often adds to it, when we don’t know how to move forward or take that first step. Instead, we reach for something that is easily within arms length (convenient), to either distract us from the chaos within or to temporarily numb our thoughts and emotions. This can be social media, porn, food, alcohol…you fill in the blank.

I think I might be stating the obvious. Most of us are aware of the cycles we fall into that launch unhealthy behaviors. What is often the most challenging is knowing and choosing the healthy “next step” to work through the chaos to a place of peace. So what does this look like, practically? 

The first step is discovering what this looks like for you. Perhaps it’s lying in a hammock in the sun where it’s quiet. Maybe it’s taking a walk. The key is to find a place where you can quiet the internal “noise” and take time to simply “be still.”

Over the last year or so, I have been walking a lot. I try to walk 4-6 times a week. Walking is not only a great way to have movement for my body and get the benefits of the natural effects of exercise, I also live in a rural area so I will often see wildlife while I am out. While this, in itself, is awesome, the part about these walks I have grown to cherish is that this is my alone time with God. I will listen to a podcast that is centered around a scripture, which gives me time to reflect and listen to God speak. I have ended up in a good cry, smiling ear to ear, or sometimes getting what I like to call a “download” from the Holy Spirit. No matter what the experience, it has become a time I crave and my new go-to when I don’t know what next step to take. 

Although I haven’t perfected this, when I do it right, it feels better than any temporary fix I’ve ever utilized. And the more I do it, the more I want it to be my default setting. 

A theme from a recent podcast was regarding the word “Shalom.” Most of us know this word means peace. But if you dig a little deeper into the Hebrew meaning of it, “Peace” is sort of like a diamond; it has many facets. Facets like: wholeness, completeness, serenity, safety, security, prosperity. When I heard these words associated with “peace” it made sense. When I feel safe, there is peace. When I feel complete, there is peace. 

This made me think, Where do I feel most at peace? The answer to this was EASY! It’s when I am in the presence of God—when I am on these walks, when in worship, when I read His Word, when I am with other healthy believers. Being in His presence is where I find shalom.

The Jews traveled to Jerusalem to visit the temple to get as close as they could get to the presence of God. However, only the High Priest could actually enter the Holy of Holies. 

But as we live and exist under the New Covenant, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. We have direct access to the presence of God. We don’t have to travel hundreds of miles to a specific place to experience His presence. We just have to get beyond the external distractions, quiet the internal noises, and practice coming into His presence. This is shalom.

In a conversation with some online leaders yesterday, we discussed the process of entering into the Holy of Holies. As most had to stand outside of the temple, the closer they got to the glory of God, the narrower (smaller) it became. This was a great metaphor for our focus. Rather than a wide view of all of the tasks and demands of life that seem to overwhelm us, when we fix our eyes on Jesus, and we narrow our gaze into a focused internal dialogue with God, it becomes easier to experience His glory; His shalom. 

Maybe today you are desperate to experience more peace. Maybe the distractions of life have been winning your attention. I pray this will encourage you to take 15-20 minutes to be intentional about coming into His presence in pursuit of His shalom for YOU.

I encourage you to take 15 minutes today, grab some headphones and go for a walk. If you are physically challenged (or it’s inclement weather) find a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted. 

Meditate on this scripture, then play the song Draw Near.

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.

James 4:8 (ESV)

Quiet your mind and listen for His voice. Imagine yourself coming into His presence. How do you picture Jesus? Is He on His throne? Is He the Good Shepherd? Is He meeting you at the well? Literally, imagine yourself in His presence. At the end of the song, simply thank Him. Remember, He loves spending time with His kids.

Father, I pray for my brothers and sisters who are reading this. Send Your Spirit, the Helper, to guide us into a place of shalom. As we desire to be still, would You meet us in that sacred place? Would You commune with us there? Help us lay our requests aside for this time and simply listen to Your voice. Your words are always words of life. Holy Spirit, breathe life into us: into the dead places. Come alive: into the dark places. Come alive; help us to be still and to be loved. Guide us to a place of peace that becomes our new default, where we run when we are looking for something to fill our souls with life. You are Life. Thank You for making a way to come into Your presence. What a privilege. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Shalom.