Tag: focusing on God

Limited and Locked In?

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“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2

Could it be that this verse is explaining the anxiousness and trouble many are feeling?  Could it be that what we are constantly seeing, the thoughts and images of this world, have infiltrated us so that they hover as a dark cloud, obstructing our view of what matters most?

Some days it is hard to look past the here and now.  Our senses are constantly blasted by reality before us.  Our eyes see it.  Our ears hear it, and every other sense within us picks up on it.  The world around us is infiltrated with the world around us (and yes, that was said on purpose).

When we fail to look up beyond this world, we keep ourselves limited and locked within the sphere of all that this mess is.  If all we see is what our physical eyes behold, and if all we hear is the noise of the negativity all around, then we are bound to be bound by the cares of this world (Mark 4:19).

Throughout Scripture, we are constantly encouraged to raise our sights higher.  When we “set our affection on things above, not on the things on the earth,” our perspective and outlook on life will shift.  Having our view freed from the constraints of the current tide of events releases us to not only see more, but to see better all God has for His people.

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.  My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

“O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.” 2 Chronicles 20:12

“Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.” Psalm 123:1

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“Spotlighting God!”

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The construction of the temple had been completed. Years of preparation and work have finally seen the fruit of its success. The dedicated things were brought in. The ark of the covenant of the LORD is put in its proper place. And, the trumpets and singers are making one joyful sound of praise and thanksgiving.

King Solomon then turns to the people and says, “Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, who hath with his hands fulfilled that which he spake with his mouth to my father David,” (2 Chronicles 6:4).

Friends, in all that we do from day to day. In our grand successes, or daily, mundane jobs, it is so important to recognize that it is God’s hands, it is His moving in our lives that allow us to do what we do.

The Bible tells us, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God,” (1 Corinthians 10:31). In everything He has privileged us to do and be, we are to be magnifiers of His glory. We are to make sure the spotlight is on our Heavenly Father. All the activities of our lives are to bring glory to God.

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him,” (Colossians 3:17). Bless God. In all your works and deeds, say, “Lord, I thank You!” Recognize that He has honored us with the privilege, power, and strength to do what we do, taking no glory for our own.

King Solomon could have erroneously made the dreadful mistake of many in great authority, and he could have attributed the success of building the temple, and all that he performed and acquired to his own glory. He could have praised himself and pumped up his own name for a job well done.  But, he didn’t.

In all the trumpeting. In all the singing. In all the celebrating, he celebrated God. He knew that it was God’s hands on his life that allowed him to do what he did. He knew it was nothing he could have accomplished on his own.

In everything we do, the greatest thing we can do is bring the focus where it rightfully belongs: on God the Father. Make His praises known. Acknowledge His hand and work in what you do. Bless His name for He is the one who has allowed to us do what we do, whether it be of meager beginnings or great successes.

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