Stay Focused

Have you ever lost your focus while working on a project? I have. Lately, I’ve been easily distracted, even discouraged by circumstances outside of my control. The longer I give in to the despair, the harder it is to refocus.

As strange as it may seem, I learn a lot from my dog Maggie. Most of her waking hours are focused on me. When I get up in the morning, I hear her little paws hit the floor, and she is at my feet. She goes outside to do her morning business and comes in for a brushing bone. She is at my feet as I prepare her food and medicine and my cup of tea. She sits so she can see me while I read the Bible and pray. Tic, tic, tic, her little claws hit the floor behind me while I do the laundry and clean the kitchen. She sits on Dennis’ lap while we watch movies so she can see me. When women come for evening Bible study, she sits across from me, watching me til she falls asleep. Sometimes I wish I could be the person she thinks I am.

When I feel the weight of burdens or uncontrollable circumstances, I think how much Maggie trusts me, and I’m reminded to trust God, my Savior for all that concerns me. He is bigger and stronger than any peril I face. He partners with me to overcome and to accomplish more than I ever dreamed.

THINK ABOUT IT

Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing,” (John 15:5). To stay focused on Jesus, it is important for me to abide in Him. Then He abides in me. We partner together to accomplish all He has planned for me to do. He will do the same for you. Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you,” (Matthew 7:7). His help is for the asking.

PRAY ABOUT IT

Lord Jesus, gracious Savior, help us to stay focused on you, especially in troubling times. Help us to overcome and to accomplish everything you have for us to do. It’s in your name we pray, Amen.

Abide

Photo by Luiz M. Santos on Pexels.com

Jesus said, “I am the vine you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Have you felt inadequate in accomplishing something God has called you to do? I have often felt overwhelmed by an enormous project or service. One of the hardest things for me to do was serving as a hospital chaplain, because I never knew what was on the other side of the door. I spent time in prayer out in my car asking God to empower me to meet and pray with patients. I said to God, “I cannot do this unless you go with me.” He heard that simple prayer.

I grew to love my visits and cherished times of worship in a hospital room. The Bible on my phone and hymns on YouTube were valuable tools to me. With God as my partner, I became a beacon of light and hope. His love flowed through me, and I have missed serving during the COVID isolation. I think of the doctors and nurses who appreciate the chaplain’s service. I think of the patients who desperately need positive connections.

THINK ABOUT IT

It is hard to reach out to the hurting people when we are isolated, but I have found this blog to be a way to encourage readers. When you feel overwhelmed, inadequate or like you just can’t go on, call out to God. Abide in Him and He will abide in you. He does that through a relationship with you. He talks to you through His word, teaching you how to think and live for Him, and you talk to Him in prayer. Pray about everything that concerns you knowing He cares for you: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

PRAY ABOUT IT

Prayer: Heavenly Father, comfort your people during these hard times. Many are suffering. Many feel that you have forgotten them. O Lord, reveal yourself to them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.