FOCUS STRAIGHT AHEAD AND UP

 

As I was driving leaving the Army post the other day I looked in my rear view mirror and noticed the car behind me was right on my bumper. This is a big pet peeve of mine and I am trying to gain victory over it.

This made me think about distractions of sin in our own lives. When we focus on problems in our life or the life of a family member we can become so annoyed and worried that we take our eyes off Jesus. When you take your eyes off the savior then fear sets in. Don't look down, right, left, or behind you but stay focused straight ahead on God's plan for your life.

A gymnast on a balance beam has to have strict concentration when walking across the beam. If not they could tumble to the floor before often with injuries as a result. Likewise there may be "storms" brewing all around you but to not be fearful you have to trust Jesus.

Satan has many schemes to get your focus off God and make you crumble and weak in your faith. Keep pressing on my friend.

'Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith,who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.' Hebrews 12:1-2(ESV).

PRAYER: Another day is dawning. A day for me to go out into this world looking up and straight ahead to you and not worrying what is behind me or to the left or right. I thank you father that you are guiding me every step of the way as long as I trust in you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

FOCUS ON GOD NOT YOUR PROBLEMS

 

How many people have problems? Big ones or small ones, it does not matter. What is the normal human reaction to dealing with problems? Perhaps worry and fears or the overwhelming concern it will never end?

The solution to peace in the midst of problems is to pray and give God those concerns. Often there are times in life when those seemingly major problems looming over you are like a dark cloud. A few years pass and they seem to be quite small. You might say "I don't know why I acted like I did." Don't be too hard on yourself because all of us, if we admit it, have let little things grow into huge "mountains" because in many instances we forgot to totally surrender them to the Lord.

Look to Jesus and keep your gaze straight ahead. Matthew 14:28-38(HCSB) says ' "Lord, if it’s You,” Peter answered Him, “command me to come to You on the water.” "Come!” He said. And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid. And beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!” God was there all along and Peter did not sink but started to when he took His eyes off Jesus and focused instead on the huge stormy sea.

Are you focusing on the storms of this life and not on God? Today ask God to help you trust Him in good times and not so good times. He will see you through whatever it is if you can only trust Him.

PRAYER: There have been times when I have become overwhelmed by a certain situation in life. When I try to manipulate and control it only makes matters worse. When I entertain worry, I also get no peace. Lord it is my desire to give you the controls and trust you. Help me give up worrying and controlling and give it to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.