Renewed Vision

A new year has begun. New routines. New schedules… An empty calendar… So far. Or maybe you are one of those who already has the schedule booked for the next few months and are already stressed by the new year. We become envious of those who can find rest and renewal because we are in desperate need of it. So how do we find renewal as the calendar flips and we see the task list for next week?

For many of us, it comes down to our vision. No we may not need new glasses, but we may need an adjustment. It’s where we fix our gaze. Is it on the stress and the calendar? On the numerous things that we have going on this week or is our vision locked in on growing our relationship with Jesus Christ? Which tends to take the priority?

We, as people of the 21st century, tend to just keep moving forward. We don’t rest or pause. We just keep searching for the next thing. Whether that be a task, a product, or a new platform to get all the latest information. However, all of that is external while we forget the internal that needs just as much attention. Paul had some strong words with the church of Corinth. But he always followed his rebuke with some encouragement for the early churches. Paul encourages the church in chapter 4 saying: Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

For Paul, it comes down to our focus. The things of the world. The jobs, the tasks, our weight loss program are things that will pass away… But what will not be is the direction of our soul… What Paul is pointing out here is the heart of renewal. It’s ok to schedule and to plan… To have ideas for what we want to see happen, but the first priority should be to fix our eyes on Jesus Christ… By working at our daily and weekly rhythms to spend more time with Him, we will be renewed inwardly day after day. Renewal of mind and spirit… Peace in the chaos… Come when we put the work in to fix our eyes on Jesus… Paul doesn’t say “so we wait for what will be brought to us.” He says we need to fix our eyes… To correct our vision for the new year on a deeper relationship with Jesus.
Do you seek renewal this year?

How’s your vision?