Keep Your Focus on God 

A friend of mine reached out to me recently, as they have been going through some difficulties regarding past experiences. During their upbringing, they had a lot of stressful and difficult times, and it didn’t end as they grew older. In time, they were able to overcome these said difficulties, but the memories of it all still haunts them. They cannot seem to think clearly lately due to the post traumatic stress. It broke my heart to hear that they are suffering. And this friend is one of the strongest, toughest people I know.

This friend of mine is a believer. They believe in Jesus and have complete faith in Him. Often, they are so very strong-willed and solid in their faith in God. However, they seem to be struggling lately, and so, it was easy for me to be able to reach out to them and comfort them, reassure them that God has them. All we have to do is to continue to stay focused on Jesus, and the rest will follow. Although we may have moments where we dwell on the past, have negative thoughts and feelings, even post traumatic stress from all of the difficult times in our lives; no matter what we’ve gone through, or continue to go through, we must give it all to God, and always remain focused on Him. With our faith, we can endure anything.

This is such an important topic to discuss because our faith should mean everything to us, and should be present and strong in all aspects of our lives, both internally and externally. Internally, we must change our mindset, and not let any negative thoughts or feelings hinder our path with God. I know for a fact that Satan tries to put horrible, sinful thoughts into our minds, daily, hourly, even every few minutes! But, we must not let it get to us. “Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established” (Proverbs 16:3). We must use our faith to rebuke those negative thoughts, and feelings, in the name of Jesus, and to restore our mind through The Word of God. The Bible is the most powerful weapon that we have, and can use regarding all of this. “For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

(Picture from King James Bible Online Website)

Externally speaking, our actions should show our faith is in God, and not the world. We want to please God by doing that which is good, and not evil, because we love Him, and are faithful unto Him. “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever… Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God” (1 John 2:15-17; 3 John 1:11).

When we are born-again, after hearing the gospel, and have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of us, we feel led to do what is righteous, what is expected of us from God. For we must follow God’s Will and not our own. “For [it is] better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing” (1 Peter 3:17). Satan knows this and tries to hinder our path with Christ. He will do whatever it takes to distract us, and push us off the path of righteousness unto Christ. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9).

(Picture from King James Bible Online Website)

We are in a constant battle, in the mind, in the flesh, and in the spirit. We are in a spiritual warfare, fighting all of this daily. Although we have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of us, we still have a constant battle in the flesh with sin and the devil. By reading the Word of God daily, praying to Him constantly, and putting God first, we will endure and overcome the struggles of the flesh, focusing on the spirit. “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5). “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:10-13). When we truly focus on God alone, in all that we do, think, feel and say, then the battle is already won. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

(Picture from Be A Diary Blog Website)

If we remain focused, and determined, and keep our minds on things above, then the rest will follow suit. “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2). Everything that we do, that we think, that we say, that we feel, must all glorify God. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God…And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (1 corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17). God must come first. He is our Heavenly Father, our Creator, our Provider, our Comforter, our Lord, our Saviour; He is everything to us as believers. Therefore, we must believe that “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).

Stay encouraged.

God Bless.

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