Keep our eyes on the prize

It’s hard to stay focused on our destination. Sometimes we get caught up in the daily grind of life. Other times we get distracted by a litany of new shiny breadcrumbs.

So how do we keep our eyes on the prize? How do we remain focused on where we want to go? What if we set reminders? Prompts that pull us back to our task at hand.

God gave detailed instructions to Moses on the building of the priestly garments. Each item on the priestly garments–from head to toe–had a purpose, including the skirt.

Aaron’s skirt was hemmed with tiny pomegranates and little gold bells. Every step he took, every movement he made, would swish with the sound of these bells. A continual sound. A reminder of the importance of his task. A signal to keep his mind focused on his goal at hand–on his holy calling.

Not only were the priests outfitted with reminders, but everyone had tassels on their garments. The tassels served as a visual reminder to remember God’s commandments and do them.

These reminders are like the Fitbit bands many of us wear today. We track our steps, our heart rate, and our sleep (and sometimes even more). Our Fitbits keep us focused on our health goals. A visual reminder. In the same way, the tassels kept the Israelites focused on their goals.

There are many ways to set up simple reminders or focus points on our spiritual walk. We can wear a band on our wrist with a favourite Bible verse, or schedule a reminder on our phone. A friend has her phone ring to remind her to “move.” We can set an alarm reminding us that God will renew our strength. God will light our path.

The Israelites knew God went before them and led them in the way they should go. They had a literal image, and all they had to do was look up. During the day, an immense cloud was directly in front of them. During the night, the cloud turned into a pillar of fire. The Israelites had this visual in front of them for forty years. 24/7. Hard to miss it.

We may not see a huge cloud or pillar of fire in front of us, but can we add visuals to our homes, such as scriptural wall art? Can we attend church weekly and partake of the memorial feast in remembrance of Jesus? Can we include Bible readings, or Bible studies, to our daily routines?

Even without a cloud or pillar of fire, the Lord goes before us. Even if we can’t see Him, He is there. Every day. 24/7. He wants us to walk humbly with Him. The Lord lights our way.

Just keep Him close. Read His word. Memorize His word. God will keep us on track.

For more simple tips to reduce your stress and build your strength toolkit, sign up for my weekly dose of inspiration here.

Check out the attached video from the Jerusalem Journal. A 2000-year-old gold bell was discovered in a drainage channel in Jerusalem. Experts have used this bell to recreate the sound of the priest’s skirt.

  https://jerusalemjournal.net/news-and-views/from-2-000-years-ago-hear-bells-on-the-robe-of-judaism-s-high-priest

“Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”

- Proverbs 4:25-27 NIV