Regaining Focus

Today, I am a bit scatter-brained. I worked yesterday from early morning and was taking calls until fairly late at night. Much of my day was spent on the road, and counselling others, and now my mind is pre-occupied with so many events, people, and things I must do. I feel blurry and out of focus. Have you ever had a day like that? How do we get back in to focus so we can see the path forward clearly? Well, Psalm 119:105 says “your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Maybe we’re not supposed to always see the path ahead, but to walk, one step at a time, in God’s word. He also says “Be still and know I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

In many respects, we want to control everything: we want to control our situations, whether at work, or at home with our families, and we even attempt to create for ourselves a relationship with God where we have most of the control, or attempt to negotiate 50/50 custody of our lives. We can’t do that! We are only truly at peace and rest, and in focus, when we’re in submission to His will. We’re truly at peace when we cease negotiating, and begin submitting. When God is in control, the outcome is His, not ours, and we follow, trusting His plans and purposes. This is how we regain control, and this is how we stay in focus. And we best submit to God by focusing on Jesus, the cross, and the empty Tomb. When we see the lengths to which God went to restore us, and the sin that we committed that Christ offered Himself as a Sacrifice for, we realize we have nothing to offer, and that God offers us everything. So then, in gratitude, we relinquish our control, submitting to His will, and life begins to make sense again, even if we can only see one step in front of us at a time.

Ephesians 5:1-21

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

“Awake, O sleeper,

and arise from the dead,

and Christ will shine on you.”

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Philippians 4:1-13

Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.