"Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law." Psalm 119:18
Sometimes, I don't see what's right in front of me - and here's my story about this happening recently. I had jury duty in March. I received the summons early in February and I read it through, front and back. I saw that I needed to fill out the paperwork and send back within five days. But, it was the weekend and I didn't want to do it right then. So I put it up on my whiteboard in my office, knowing I'd see it on Monday and get it filled out. Guess what happened? It hung there, in plain sight, until close to the end of that month before I noticed it again! Wow - I was panicked! Sound familiar?
I think I do this with God sometimes. I love Him, I want to live the life He has for me, I want to spend time with Him. He's right in front of my eyes - and yet I still don't always see Him. Life gets in the way. My focus gets moved from Him to what needs to be done that day. And before I know it, three days have gone by and I haven't had alone time with Him. And I feel it in everything I do! Don't get me wrong - I still prayed during this time, but I didn't truly see Him. Does this make sense?
I came outside to sit on my deck recently (one of my favorite morning spots) and I
immediately felt God's presence. I looked at the sunshine, I felt the breeze on my face, I listened to the birds and I watched the squirrels chasing each other. My heart lifted and I was immediately with Him, praising Him for His patience, His grace, His love! All it took was a change of scenery to refocus my eyes on Him.
So how can we keep our eyes open and focused on the things that matter? Here are three ways to stay focused:
Let's commit to making our quiet time with God a necessity. We eat every day, we drink every day - for our health and sustenance. How much more will God sustain us if He becomes a necessity! Every single day or night, whatever works for you, spend time alone in His presence. Be with Him, see Him and listen to Him. Let Him speak to you!
Let's commit to act on what He brings to mind. Maybe a name pops into your head whom you need to text; maybe a song pops into your head and you play it that day for inspiration and encouragement; maybe a decision is made during this time. Whatever it may be, act upon it! And hey - sometimes you may not hear Him. But I believe that's His way at times. Maybe you just listen all day, focused on Him. He will speak when the time is right.
Let's commit to be His light. When we are focused on our Father, it naturally follows that we show His light in whatever we do and wherever we go. It helps us to see people in a different light and with a different attitude. It helps us have more patience with ourselves and others throughout the day. It helps us find more joy in the mundane.
Thank you, God, for being patient and loving. Thank you for opening my eyes to what is in front of me - You and Your glory! I pray that You will be a necessity for me and I pray for forgiveness when I let other things cloud my eyes. Help me to be filled with You every single day. In your name I pray. Amen!🙏
And by the way, I did get the juror paperwork filled out at the end of the month and when I showed up, they had me on their list. Thank you God!
What are some ways you focus on God? I'd love to hear your commitment for this week.