BY DAWN REED
I was heading to Louisville to meet with a group of ladies from Crossroads Baptist Church. There was a lot to do so I made a list: a return to Walmart, stops at the post office, gas station and bank. I marked off one thing after another.
A traffic light had me stopping in the middle of our small town. As I slowed for the red light and glanced at my list, I took my eyes off the road for only a second. Suddenly the car in front of me stopped. I slammed on the brakes with all my might. Thankfully, miraculously, there were inches left between us. My purse on the passenger seat went flying, dumping everything in the floor. Breathing deeply, I was thankful that somehow an accident had been avoided. I had been distracted by my to-do list.
In Luke 10, Martha was distracted by entertaining, doing good things. Jesus was right there in her house, yet she focused on everything but Him. She had taken her eyes off the main thing.
Matthew 14 tells of a terrible storm in the disciples’ lives. Jesus came to them, walking on the water. Peter jumped out of the boat and walked on the water, too, but then was distracted by the wind and waves all around him. He took his eyes off Jesus for just a moment and began to sink.
Luke 22 gives us insight into the Last Supper. We read that Jesus had just shared the bread and cup. He spoke about giving His life. This crew, who had walked daily with Him, became distracted. They took their eyes off the Savior and began to argue about who was the greatest among them.
As we go into the season of Easter, we can be distracted by many things: baskets, candy, bunnies, new clothes, too many activities or events scheduled in our already busy lives. Hustle and bustle are words often used at Christmas, but let us be honest, they are a real part of every day. In a time of busyness, let us not take our eyes off the main thing.
When we take our eyes off Jesus, we can become more anxious. Of course, He knew that. In one of His last lessons to the disciples, Jesus shared, “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with the anxieties of life” (Luke 21:34). I know that verse has been in the Bible for hundreds of years, but it is so 2026.
How do we keep our eyes on Jesus in a hustle-and-bustle life? One of the best ways is to purposely take time to read God’s Word. Everyday. Better than medicine, we need a daily dose of Scripture.
Morning or evening, whichever is best for you, just do it. Years ago, I waited until the kids and my beloved were in bed to read. Then, I found myself falling asleep in the recliner.
I learned that morning worked better. It was tough at first to get up early, but worth it. I pray for God to speak to me and soak up good truths.
Reading God’s Word goes through the day with me. Having those words fresh in my mind, God often gives me opportunities to share them with others who are “weighed down with the anxieties of life.” Bible verses of encouragement can be texted, emailed, WhatsApp-ed or messaged throughout the day. (Kinsey, a 13-year-old favorite patient, gave me an encouraging Bible verse on a Post-it note today that brought tears to my eyes. I needed it right then!)
Driving through town, I took my eyes off the road for just a second. It was scary. Lesson learned. Taking my eyes off Jesus is even scarier.
Father, as Easter approaches, please help us keep our eyes on You and not be distracted by everything else.