Tonight, I sat on the deck and watched my kids play with my brother and my father. They were playing a fierce game of volleyball with high stakes. The losers had to lay on the cement and let the winners pour ice water on them. The trash-talking ensued and the game became very competitive. It was a real shame my brother and my father lost. But the grandkids thought it was the most hilarious thing in the world to take a little revenge on their uncle and grandfather, and they extended the pouring of the cold water for as long as possible.
As I watched from the deck, laughing at my brother telling his kids (and mine) to have mercy, I felt God whisper These are the important things in life, the things that deserve your attention.
Isn't that the truth.
So often, our attention is focused on small things. Perhaps we focus on a frustrating problem in our life and we simply need to let go. It could be that our focus is on television or social media. Maybe, instead of technology, our focus is on the past rather than the present. None of those things deserve for us to spend a significant amount of time focusing on them.
We're not meant to give small things a large dose of attention. Our attention isn't infinite, so when we use it on unimportant things, we miss out on the important things. We can't focus on both.
Our lives are busy. We work hard. Everything demands our attention. But, only a few things actually deserve it. When our minds are hurried, we will miss God's peace. Taking breaks from the busyness to focus on the important things is critical for slowing our minds down. In fact, it leads to anxiety and lack of productivity when we don't slow down.
I personally tend to lose all of my joy when I am rushed. I rush when I'm in a stressed and hurried state. It is not God's will for me to live in this state. He wants us to enjoy our lives. Our days are numbered and how we live them out matters to the Kingdom.
We spend so much of our lives focused on things like work and earning money. While those things have a place, we must remember all the money in the world doesn't matter. But, the love of those around us - now that's what endures.
We also need to seek refuge from harsh and demanding thoughts. We don't deserve those. Harsh and demanding thoughts don't come from God. He is gentle, and He is proud of you, not demanding of you.
Look up from your troubles, child. God loves you tremendously, and He wants you to know how He feels about you. He will give you the strength you need. He promises you this, and you can count on his promises. But in the meantime, He wants you to rest in His presence, confidently knowing He will take care of you.
Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
God loves you, his beautiful girl. Stay true to Him. Lead with integrity. Give up the distractions that are taking you away from God, the things hurting your mind. Stay on the right path. God will lead you to peaceful meadows and streams of righteousness. He will take you away from all of the darkness of the world if you keep your focus on Him.
He loves you like no one else can.
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