My mom used to say that when we keep our eyes on others, we’ll always be disappointed. However, if we keep our eyes on Jesus, He will never fail us.

God convicted me on this over the last few days.

In reading a chapter in Jesus and Women by Kristi McLelland, I was reminded how important it is to focus my mind and heart on God.

“When we stare at our lives and glance at God, the troubles and problems in our lives can begin to look huge. If we’re not careful, our problems take up most of the space in our thoughts and consequently govern our hearts and emotions.

When we intentionally focus our minds and hearts on God, our troubles take on their proper perspective. God helps us to see them in light of His generous justice, His generous lifting up in our lives.”

Kristi McLelland, Session Six, Jesus and Women

Where is our focus?

The question is . . . is our focus on God or ourselves?

Many times, we try to fight our battles in our own way – instead of placing focus on Jesus and allowing Him to work.

When the King of Assyria’s field commander camped outside Jerusalem taunting the people of Judah, the people were silent (as they had been commanded by King Hezekiah). After Assyria’s attempts at manipulation, Hezekiah’s ambassadors came to him with torn clothes and the words from Assyria.

As soon as King Hezekiah heard it, he tore his clothes and covered himself with sackcloth and went into the House of the Lord. 2 Kings 19:1

I love that after Hezekiah hears the word from Assyria, he goes to God. He doesn’t respond to the enemy’s threat. His first stop in the middle of his despair is to go to the Lord.

Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it: and Hezekiah went up to the house of the LORD and spread it before the LORD. And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD. 2 Kings 19: 14-15a (Read the full story in 2 Kings 19)

Praying for help

So what will we do

• When we’re accused?
• When we’re ridiculed?
• When we’re tempted?
• When we question whether the Lord is enough?

Will we lay it before the Lord and pray for help?

Let’s follow Hezekiah’s lead and go to God first. Let’s place our focus on who God is and His uncontainable power and love.

God completes what He starts

As I have thought on this, I also came across scripture that reminded me that he didn’t start something in me only to fail to finish it.

One of the most familiar verses in scripture, Philippians 1:6, reminds us that God completes what He starts. Jesus didn’t do all He’s done just to leave us alone. His love is beyond comprehension. His power is uncontainable.

God has a word for us. Set our eyes on Him. Place our focus on Him.

I like how bestselling author David Platt says it.

“Don’t lose heart. Don’t give up. Don’t doubt the passion and ability of God to fulfill the plans of God for you and for the world.  – David Platt

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

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