Devotional - 99-02-26 - Focus

What were you thinking about right before you read this devotional? What do you think about as soon as you wake up in the morning? What is going through your mind as you drift off to sleep? God has given us instructions about what our focus is to be on.

Mat 6:33 (NNAS) But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

But that is not so easy. We get caught up in worrying about what is going to happen, mulling over what has already happened, or being eaten alive by pain or bitterness, all of which waste valuable time and mental energy, and can drain us emotionally. We need to focus on serving God and our fellowman, on prayer, on worship. If we follow His priorities, He will take care of everything else. Everything will fall into place. I have personally found this to be true. When I concentrate on serving or honoring God, He blesses me - not always as I expect, but always abundantly.

If you are not sure what His priorities for you are, ask Him. He wants to give you wisdom. The only prerequisite is faith.

James 1:5-6 (NNAS) But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

It can also help to ask wise Christian friends, your pastor or a good Christian counselor. That's one great blessing of the local church - a place to go when we are seeking answers.

If you have trouble concentrating on what He wants you to, ask for His help with that, too. He wants to give you that focus, and a consequence will be inner peace.

Isa 26:3 (NNAS) The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You.

Dear Father, please help us keep our minds focused on Your priorities. Help us trust You with our worries, with what is dearest to our hearts. Give us Your perfect peace. In Jesus' name amen.

Jan

jan@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org