Changing Your Focus

Tonight, as I walked to one of my favorite writing and praying spots in our community, I came to God with all my weakness, insecurity, and stress. As I sat in His presence, the warm Florida air blew through my hair. I tilted my head back and just began to breathe and worship. As my focus changed from the stress of the day to the goodness of God, peace enveloped me, and His presence was evident...

Though I love to seek God in these amazing settings, that’s not where my peace comes from. It’s all about what I am focused on. My circumstances had not changed, nor did they need to in order to feel His peace and the warmth of His embrace. As a matter of fact, I’m actually freer when I’m in the privacy of my own room. There are times I laugh in His presence as I realize how small the enemy really is and how I’ve allowed his silly tactics to intimidate me. In the Secret Place you come to understand just how big and powerful our God really is. Then there’s times I cry... my weakness compared to His glory, power, and strength... then the realization of His love... it’s just too much and completely overwhelming! I get touched in many different ways when the tangible presence of His Spirit enters the room. Regardless of the reaction, the results are always the same, a humbled heart of repentance, joy unspeakable and full of glory and peace that passes all understanding!

Stop waiting for the perfect scenario, a great setting, or perhaps you’re waiting until you feel deserving of His love and attention... the truth is none of us will ever be good enough to deserve such an amazing gift. It’s only by the sacrifice that was made at the cross! No matter what your need, it can be found in His presence. Are you seeking holiness and purity? I’m not talking about perfection, but a heart that’s set on pleasing Jesus and places His desires above their own... it’s only in His presence that your flesh begins to melt away, layer by layer. The things that once captured your attention now seem meaningless in comparison to pleasing the one you passionately love!

Are you too busy, tired, or stressed to spend time with God? There’s always time for what’s most important, it’s just a matter of prioritizing and bringing every issue to the altar, then taking your focus off them and placing it fully on Jesus! He wants to take care of you and set you free from the thoughts and fears that keep you up at night, the sin that captures your heart and the anxiety that taunts you throughout the day. Begin to practice focusing on Him and worshiping Him even in the midst of the darkest night and the most violent storm. Then watch as He first calms the storm on the inside, then transforms the battle on the outside... He’s a good God and all He’s asking for is all of YOU!

Colossians 3:2-4 (TPT) Yes, feast on all the treasures of the heavenly realm and fill your thoughts with heavenly realities, and not with the distractions of the natural realm. Your crucifixion with Christ has severed the tie to this life, and now your true life is hidden away in God in Christ. And as Christ himself is seen for who he really is, who you really are will also be revealed, for you are now one with him in his glory!

Revelations 2:4-5 (TPT) But I have this against you: you have abandoned the passionate love you had for me at the beginning. Think about how far you have fallen! Repent and do the works of love you did at first. I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place of influence if you do not repent.

Psalm 109:27-31 (TPT) God stilled the storm, calmed the waves, and he hushed the hurricane winds to only a whisper. We were so relieved, so glad as he guided us safely to harbor in a quiet haven. So lift your hands and give thanks to God for his marvelous kindness and for his miracles of mercy for those he loves!

1 PETER 5:7 (TPT) Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you.