Focus 

 

Well, it’s almost midday, and I’ve been working on business paperwork and emails since early this morning. The last 3 weeks have been so busy that I have been unable to keep up with my usual bookkeeping etc. So, finally having a free morning, I’ve jumped right in to tackle it all and check off yet another box on my to-do list.

Doesn’t it feel great to get one more thing crossed off your list? When your list is never-ending and only seems to grow longer as you mark one thing off and yet another appears, it sometimes seems like nothing ever gets done. The days roll by, the wheels keep spinning, the lists keep growing, the needs are pressing, and the anxiety level rises.

I just wanted to take a quick break from my paperwork to write a short little note of encouragement for those of you who feel like they’re struggling to make it through each day. How do we make it through the long and hard days?

With God’s help, that’s how! We can do nothing in our own strength.

Here’s a few verses and things to keep in mind that have helped me.

Focus on facing forward. Yes. Keep looking ahead. The bible tells us in Philippians to look forward. Forget what’s gone on before and press forward. At the end of your busy days, don’t focus on what you didn’t get done, focus on what you DID get done. Focus on the things you were able to cross off your list.

Philippians 3:13-14 KJV - Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Focus on the positive. Now, I’m not promoting some weird positive thinking philosophy, but please do remember that what we think about affects our behaviour.

Psalm 103:2 KJV - Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

The bible tells us to remember God’s goodness to us. In other words, focus on the positive. Remember what God has done for you. Don’t dwell on what you see as the negatives in your life.

Focus on God’s promises. What a blessing it is to recall God’s promises during times of discouragement and trial. God promises us so many good things and we need to remind ourselves of them daily. They will encourage your heart and help you to persevere and keep on.

One of my favourite promises in God’s Word is found in the book of Matthew.

Matthew 11:28-30 KJV - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

What a blessing it is to know that God will give us rest. We can lean on him.

Focus on facing your trials knowing that God is with you. I take great comfort in knowing that God is with me each and every day. As I struggle through my daily chores, my never-ending lists and the daily grind, I know that God is with me. I know that he walks before me, he walks beside me, he’s with me.

One of my favourite verses of scripture is found in Isaiah. I have been comforted more times than I can remember by this beautiful promise.

Isaiah 43:2 KJV - When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

I hope these verses and thoughts will encourage your hearts and help you as you strive to become a Godly woman. Stable, faithful, steadfast, with your eyes firmly fixed on God. We don’t want to be women who crumble under pressure. Don’t quit. Don’t despair. No giving up and no giving in. No excuses. Let your trials shape you and mold you into a stronger, more spiritually mature, Godly, Christlike woman.

Eyes fixed on Christ. Focusing on what He has done for us. Leaning on his precious promises and facing our days head on, knowing that he is with us.

Isaiah 41:10 KJV - Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.