The Positive Focus

 

This morning for my quiet time, I opened up the Jesus Calling devotional book I have and read today's entry.  I don't use this devotional every day but today's really spoke to me.  I discovered something "new" to me in reading the Scripture posted above. 

I love when we read Scripture over and over and one day God reveals something new about it.  That happened to me this morning as I sat sipping my hot coffee. 

If you're unfamiliar with this devotional book here's a summary: The Scriptures are written out after the short half page anecdotal reading.  The author explains in the Introduction that she first experienced peace in the Presence of God while in the French Alps. The entries are words she heard from God while meditating on various Scriptures. The book is like hearing directly from Jesus!  It's very powerful and meant to be read in a quiet place with all of your thoughts focused on God. 

Today's reading was about letting Jesus be our focus....God is a positive focus for our thoughts. So many of us, especially Americans, look for positive focus in sports, shopping, music, etc.  But God has placed a desire in our hearts.  In every human being.  What is that desire? It's a deep longing to be loved and known.   And only God can fully meet that desire. Our spouse or significant other can't, our children cannot, our material possessions cannot, money cannot.  

And here's where the Scripture "clicked" for me.  I've always known that it doesn't mean that God will give us anything we ask or desire.  It  does mean that when we look for Him and to Him...when we truly place our hope and find our joy in Him, then HE (God) becomes the desire of our hearts. We will then desire time in the Word, time talking with Him (prayer), time with Him in whatever mode has you "feeling" closest to Him.  (your spiritual temperament). For me, that is time spent outdoors.  (Naturalist).  For my husband, it's time spent studying Scripture and taking Communion. 

We have a longing in our souls for deep, covenant relationship.  Allow God to dwell in your heart today. Spend time focusing on His thoughts towards you. 

God knows our thoughts before we can even express them!

Tell Him what He means to you. Tell Him your struggles and then listen.....listen to that still, small Voice inside your heart/mind/soul. Peace comes from hearing the Words of God. 

And you will find that inner joy....God will become your positive focus. 

What are you focusing on, today??