Transformational Thought
At my childhood playground, there was a circular ride that was about 15 feet in diameter and stood 18 inches off the ground. You could spin it around really fast. We had so much fun, jumping on with one foot and pushing the ground with the other to move it ever faster. Not everyone could tolerate the crazy ride, and even I would get dizzy when I was on it. One day, I was told that to avoid getting dizzy, I should set my eyes on a fixed point while I was spinning around. A tree worked really well, and from then on, I always enjoyed the ride.
I think the world is like that spinning ride, always changing faster than we can manage. This is a time of instability in values, truth, peace, relationships, economy and government. You name it, “flux” and “instability” are key descriptors for it. Inside we yearn for stability—for an eternal, invisible truth that usually equates with security. Yearning for permanence is a good thing. It keeps us from getting distracted and dizzy as we spin ever-faster on the wild and crazy merry-go-round of life.
Stability and permanence can seem predictable, conventional or even boring. We think surprise and uniqueness are more desirable, stimulating and soothing. But isn’t it interesting that when we go on vacation and replace routines with spontaneity and stimulating activities, we don’t sleep as well, have upset stomachs, feel a little discombobulated and return home without feeling rested? Many people bring sleeping pills, Tums, Advil or other meds to help get them through their vacations. It’s because without our routines, we lose site of what is steady and true.
We need to set our gaze on two permanent fixed points: God and His Word. When we focus on Him, see life through the lenses of the Holy Spirit in us and apply His instruction, we don’t get dizzy, regardless the adversity or spinning that life brings.
Today, when you feel you are on shaky ground, turn to stand on the only firm place. Know He has stood the test of time. He 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 to focus Him as your Lighthouse. You will not get dizzy. Instead, you’ll enjoy the ride of your life. As life spins out of control, whether you fix your gaze on moving and random points or you fix it on the unchanging and rock solid Almighty God, it’s your decision, so choose well. Your stability depends on it.
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
...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
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
