In life we often get caught up with the next activity on our to-do list. There is a great variety of reasons for this, but a main one is the satisfaction that we get after we have finished the task and having a trophy left behind of what we have achieved.
After some time, we occasionally find ourselves getting caught in an endless routine based around what makes us happier.
A few examples are attaining extensive qualifications, eating food, and other forms of entertainment.
Now and then, our focus driven attempts at trying to better ourselves or relieve some of those day to day stresses bring us towards idolatry of these outlets, and this is a problem.
As we become more and more engulfed with what we have accomplished, there can grow a body of emptiness within us. It is as if our focus on moving forward has led us to drift further away from what really matters, as if the harder we try to fulfil our life's ambitions, the further we drift away from true happiness.
It is important that we do not lose sight of the supplier of all the good things we experience in our life in order that we may live without any gaping hole in our hearts.
We are instructed in the bible: "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." (Colossians 3 verse 2)
In the bible we are told that we should put first God's will before our own in such matters: "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37 verse 4)
In doing this we ensure that we are giving credit where it is due and also helping to build our relationship with the Lord.
Throughout our lives we often forget about the blessings that God provides us with and instead focus on what we have accomplished or what we can do. With all the distractions in contemporary society it is very easy to become a little self-obsessed and take credit for ourselves, whether in our own consciousness or directly to others.
Rather, when we receive a blessing, we should acknowledge God for thinking of us and providing for all our needs. The blessings provided by God are much greater than the fulfilment we gain when undertaking tasks by ourselves.
It is more important that we maintain a strong relationship with God rather than getting caught up in temporary distractions. When doing this, we are allowing God to bless us more richly and in the end, make us happier.
Tim Robertson is from Sydney and is studying engineering at UNSW
Tim Robertson's previous articles may be found at www.pressserviceinternational.org/tim-robertson.html