Things That Matter

This month Kaylee Dykstra is sharing how a song by Josiah Queen has been a source of encouragement to her. 

Are you focusing on the Things That Matter? Do you have your priorities straight? Through many events this last year, God has reminded me to focus on the “Things That Matter.” This world is filled with many distractions, and it can be hard to stay on the narrow road that leads to eternity. In our fast-paced lives, it is challenging to slow down and focus on why we are really here. I hope the song “Things That Matter” encourages you to step back, find peace, and be grateful for every little thing. (Psalm 46:10 – Be still, and know that I am God!)

It’s easy to grumble and complain about every inconvenience, but why aren’t we

celebrating every little victory? The victories are what matter. It’s seeing the world through God’s eyes. This is something that was revealed to me during my hospitalization last spring. God used that trial in my life to take away distractions that kept me from living a life 100% for him. I wasn’t able to do much during that period and I was forced to focus on the things that matter. Now I don’t take a single day on this earth for granted. (Psalm 100:4-5 - Enter his gates with thanksgiving…give thanks to him…for the Lord is good.  His unfailing love continues forever.)

Sometimes it takes a newsflash to remind us that we need to take every opportunity with the time we have. No one knows the number of the days they get here on earth, so let’s start here and now. If God is calling you to reach the ends of the world, go; if he is telling you to go befriend the girl at school, do it. Imagine what this world would be like if we all chose to set our ride aside, change our perspective, and be kind to others? That is what matters. You have no clue what anyone else is going through. Something as simple as a smile could be what keeps them from giving up.  (James 1:22 - But don’t just listen to God’s word.  You must do what it says.)

We often worry about what others think of us.  But the only opinion that matters is that of our creator.  We are made in His image and He will provide for us in every situation. It’s easy for us to let things of this world define us. Things like our position on the sports team, our social media following, our role in an activity, our grades, etc. But our identity in Christ is what matters in the grand scheme of things. He is the only one who can open the door to eternity for us. (see Psalm 39:4-8)

As Christians we are called to go and make disciples. This should be our focus. If everyone works to advance the kingdom of heaven we could multiply the population in Heaven! Start with one person, take them alongside you, and show them God’s love. That is what matters.

Everyone is capable of spreading the love of Jesus. Everyone!  (Matthew 28:19-20 - Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations…I am with you always, even to the end of the

age.)

I hope you take a few minutes to listen to the song  “Things That Matter” by Josiah Queen.  May it encourage you to focus on things that matter!