I’ve focused on lots of things in my life: education, career advancement, marriage, good parenting skills, social media presence, fun, relaxation, happiness, attention, good health, lots of material goods. The list could go on… Sometimes I even focus on and seek God’s face.
When my Focus is Off God
It’s always been the case, when I look back on the troubling times in my life, that my gaze is not on God, but on something else-usually me!
I start asking myself futile, selfish questions.
- Why me?
- What did I do to deserve this?
- How do I get out of this mess?
My focus will always direct my path in life. When my focus is on the wrong thing, I will always get lost going the wrong way.
When my Focus is On God
Going the wrong way in life has lots of unhappy consequences. God has such better plans for me! He is the True North of my life. To find out how to get on the right road, I ask some better questions.
- What can You teach me here, God?
- What do You want me to see here, God?
- Which step are You guiding me to now?
One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek.
Psalm 27:4,8 NIV
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 NIV