Focus on God

Focus on God

Why aren't we satisfied with ourselves and what we have? God made each of us unique. No two of us are alike. Even twins have differences that make them special and different from each other.

God has given us families, homes, vehicles, jobs, clothes, food, friendships, and so much more. Our homes are places that we come to day in and day out. Regardless of the weather, we know that our home provides a roof over our head and shelter from the rain, snow and winds. Our homes may not be mansions, but then Jesus himself was born in a manger and the Bible never references Jesus living in fancy dwellings. Why do we feel the need to have a large home with expensive furnishings? Why do we feel we need to be like the person living down the road with the huge house and expensive furniture? The only permanent home Jesus had was in heaven.

Jesus didn't have a fancy vehicle to get him from place to place. He relied on his feet or perhaps a donkey. His shoes weren't even fancy; they were sandals for goodness sake. The clothes Jesus wore would have been simple. We are never told that He wore many jewels and dressed in attire that put Him above others. Why then do we feel the need to have clothes and shoes that are above our means?
Why do we feel the need to have a new car often? Why can't we drive the vehicle we have until it needs to be retired?

We are wonderfully made in God's image and God knit us together in our mother's womb. When we are born, we are born naked and God doesn't provide a lot of hoopla for us when we enter the world. God doesn't have a blanket of expensive material waiting for us. God doesn't have fancy clothes for us when we decide to make our appearance. We come in the world dependent on others to care for us.
Our births are generally fairly simple. We come into the world only needing love and guidance. Why then do we feel the need as we get older to have material possessions take precedence in our lives? Why do we need to have what our neighbors have? Why can't we be satisfied with what our God has provided us?

For me, I have lost my focus on God. I have all that I NEED. Yes, there are many things that I would like to have, but God has provided for my basic needs. I have a wonderful husband that is always supportive of me and what I may want to do or not do. My son is a blessing. He is a wonderful young man that makes decent grades, works part time after school and doesn't hang out with people that makes me curious as to what they are up to. I have a wonderful family that I see often. I have several close friends that I rely on when I need prayer or just to be set straight. My job is awesome. I work for a family owned business. Their best attributes is that they treat employees and clients with respect and kindness. They don't try to impress people and they treat others as they would want to be treated. When one is down, they work hard to help that person back up and we all pick up and help a co-worker that may be extra busy or having a tough day for whatever reason. I wish everyone could experience a work environment like I have.

Bottom line is that I don't need a new car, mansion to live in, fancy clothes or an attitude that I am above or should be above anyone else. My focus should be on the Lord and what He would have me do in this world. My prayer life should be first and foremost as well as my ability to listen to my Lord. If I put the Lord first, then I don't have any reason to try to "keep up" with the next person. I just need to keep up with what the Lord would have me do. In the end, what we live in, what we wear and the money we have doesn't make us. Our attitude and the way we treat people is what we are remembered by. I should be about the Lord's business and not my own.

Stop and think about yourself. Are you trying to please God or are you trying to please and be more like your neighbor, friends, church family or just someone else in general? God wants us to be who He made us to be. What does that mean for you? What does that mean for me?

I'm praying that this downturn in the economy will make me stop and realize what is important…..God! If I focus on God then all my basic needs will be met and the blessings will be bountiful. My desire should be to be more like God and not like so and so down the road. I've got a lot of praying and repenting to do. We all get on our pedestal, but God will bring us down if need be.

Let's all be about the business of the Lord and be more like Christ during these uncertain times. I truly believe that if we put our focus where it should be that these difficult times will be much easier.

May God bless you abundantly and give you a peace that you've never experienced before.


Psalm 139:14I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Psalm 139:13For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.Psalm 139:12-14 (in Context) Psalm 139 (Whole Chapter)