The Strength of Hope: A Focus Forward!
The Strength of Hope: A Focus Forward!
Be Careful Little Eyes
O be careful little eyes what you see,
O be careful little eyes what you see,
For the Father up above
Is looking down in love.
So, be careful little eyes what you see.
Psalm 25:1,4,5,6a
In you, Lord my God,
I put my trust.
Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love.
Philippians 4:4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Focus! Focus! Focus!
The distractions of life are many. Perhaps you have experienced this too! It is difficult to focus on “what I should be doing” and instead allow the multiple distractions to consume time. My senses are over-stimulated and in constant “react” mode. My focus-robbers include a few minutes of “hobbies” like: house decorating, what crops to grow on several acres of land, jobs that are easy, cheap places to retire, family updates and more internet searching. And of course, the birds are singing out the window, the trees are budding, the garages doors of neighbors opening for a visit. The project to finish requiring focus…oh it still needs to be finished!
O be careful little eyes what you see,
O be careful little eyes what you see,
For the Father up above
Is looking down in love.
So, be careful little eyes what you see.
Psalm 25:1,4,5,6a
In you, Lord my God,
I put my trust.
Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love.
Philippians 4:4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Focus! Focus! Focus!
The distractions of life are many. Perhaps you have experienced this too! It is difficult to focus on “what I should be doing” and instead allow the multiple distractions to consume time. My senses are over-stimulated and in constant “react” mode. My focus-robbers include a few minutes of “hobbies” like: house decorating, what crops to grow on several acres of land, jobs that are easy, cheap places to retire, family updates and more internet searching. And of course, the birds are singing out the window, the trees are budding, the garages doors of neighbors opening for a visit. The project to finish requiring focus…oh it still needs to be finished!
My thoughts and focus are thousands of miles away from the paper in front of me. And time has slipped away! Psalm 25:5 states “in you I put my hope all day long!” Whew…now that is concentration! The age-old song learned in childhood: Be Careful Little Eyes was great advice then and now (additional verses address ears, tongue, hands, feet, heart, and mind). It is seeing Jesus, hearing Jesus, speaking Jesus, walking with Jesus, and tasks completed for Jesus that humble my heart in service and helps me to focus my thoughts and actions.
Philippians 4 reminds me to first rejoice and again rejoice, then train my mind to think on God’s work! Seeing Jesus in all things, His peace transcends and transforms my attitude and behaviors. The choice remains mine. It is my choice to “think on these things!” To frame life from a perspective of forgiveness. To take every thought captive for Jesus! That is a choice…and I am reminded that it comes with a reward that is beyond my comprehension!
Philippians 4 reminds me to first rejoice and again rejoice, then train my mind to think on God’s work! Seeing Jesus in all things, His peace transcends and transforms my attitude and behaviors. The choice remains mine. It is my choice to “think on these things!” To frame life from a perspective of forgiveness. To take every thought captive for Jesus! That is a choice…and I am reminded that it comes with a reward that is beyond my comprehension!
4832 Ponderings…
What are your distractions?
How is God using these distractions to show you His love?
How are you praying?
Is there someone or something to leave at the cross?
What are your distractions?
How is God using these distractions to show you His love?
How are you praying?
Is there someone or something to leave at the cross?
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