What are You Focused On?

What has your attention? Is it the news, politics, your family, a broken heart, relationships, finances, a job, sin, desires, problems, the future or covid? There’s so many things around us that fight for our attention…let’s face it, if the enemy can get that, he’s got us. As your focus shifts from Jesus to the things that pull at our flesh and emotions, faith dissipates and anxiety prevails.

The enemy is a master manipulator and he knows how to push your buttons and get an immediate response. Unless you consciously decide to seek God’s help to eliminate those trigger points, you will constantly snap your head in their direction, instead of taking the arm of Jesus and focusing deeply into His eyes, following His lead…unaffected by the world around you!

Stop talking about all of your problems and limitations and begin to prioritize time with Him. Yes, bring Him your weaknesses and issues. Lay them down at His feet and trust Him with the outcome, but while you’re waiting, refuse to remain focused on them. Every day is a new opportunity to give Him your heart and full attention. As you do…before the problems even disappear, they will lose their grip on your mind and heart. They will be replaced with incredible peace and anticipation of what your future holds in Christ alone!!

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve come to Jesus with my list of needs, I’d start out in worship and by the time I’m ready to pray, the problems no longer seemed as big or important. They certainly didn’t measure up to the love I felt or compare to the peace and joy that enveloped me in that moment. Nothing compares to Jesus, but when the giant is in front of you, it’s all you see. When you put Him before it…it becomes hard to identify because it’s hidden behind His power, beauty and majesty! Change your focus and put Him first!

Psalm 62:1-2 (TPT) I stand silently to listen for the one I love, waiting as long as it takes for the Lord to rescue me. For God alone has become my Savior. He alone is my safe place; his wraparound presence always protects me. For he is my champion defender; there’s no risk of failure with God. So why would I let worry paralyze me, even when troubles multiply around me?

James 4:7-8 (TPT) So then, surrender to God. Stand up to the devil and resist him and he will flee in agony.Move your heart closer and closer to God, and he will come even closer to you. But make sure you cleanse your life, you sinners, and keep your heart pure and stop doubting.

Philippians 4:6-9 (TPT) Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ. Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always. Put into practice the example of all that you have heard from me or seen in my life and the God of peace will be with you in all things.

Psalm 55:22-23 (TPT) So here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Leave all your cares and anxieties at the feet of the Lord, and measureless grace will strengthen you. He will watch over his devoted lovers, never letting them slip or be overthrown…