Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- July 14, 2010
“Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.” Isaiah 50:7
Focus brings freedom, because there is permission to say ‘no’ to good, competing ideas and opportunities. It is out of focus that faith is forged. When Jesus Christ is the focal point for direction and discipline then all other priorities fall into place. Focusing on Him brings to bear heaven’s perspective and resources. A face like flint on Jesus creates freedom to trust and wait on Him. Keep your Savior the spotlight and you will see clearly.
But how can I stay focused on the Lord when life’s distractions tend to dominate my time? How do I remain a fruitful Christian and not be mired down in the mundane? It is essential to first master the fundamentals of honesty, humility, patience and service to others. It is out of living the basic tenets of the Christian life that I can be trusted with more.
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much” (Luke 16:10).
Focus brings freedom at work when you assess your activity around results and not busyness. Perhaps you do fewer things well, instead of a lot of things mediocre. Average results are poor stewardship when you have above average potential. We know we are too busy when we constantly run late for meetings and have a pattern of broken promises. So how can we break this crazy cycle of over commitment? Where do we start?
Focus starts by gazing on God with a rare glimpse on your circumstances. Ask what would Jesus do and how would He reach the goal? When your identity is in the One who loves you most, you become most like Him. Confidence bubbles up for those who first focus on their heavenly Father. He gives you the ability and know-how to be the best for Him.
“One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple” (Psalm 27:4).
Therefore, by faith focus on a few things and do them well. Once you have mastered the basics then explore other exciting opportunities. God opens additional doors once you have gone through the door of faith and obedience in being faithful where He has you. You will experience freedom by staying focused on the Lord and His calling for you.
Jesus was the master at staying focused on priorities: “I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal” (Luke 13:32).
What one or two relationships do I need to focus on the most? Is the Lord my focus?
Related Readings: Psalm 62:11; Luke 10:42; John 14:31; Galatians 3:2; Philippians 3:13
Boyd Bailey is the author of Wisdom Hunters daily devotional and two devotional books, Infusion and Seeking Daily the Heart of God
