The Thought For Today

Encouraging You Through God's Word

     The word focus can be described as the center of interest or activity; to pay particular attention to. If you are living, then you are well aware that the beginning of a new year allows many people to refocus on certain areas of their lives. People tend to focus on a new workout routine, a challenge to eat healthier, or a decision to live their lives to the fullest. There is nothing wrong with any of these things unless you neglect your spiritual well-being first. The enemy of your soul desires for you and me to get so caught up in fads, empty resolutions, and failed to-do lists that we neglect Jesus and our relationship with Him. On today, I need two or three people to agree with me and tell the devil, “You Can’t Have My Focus”!

     Satan, “You Can’t Have My Focus” because you are a deceiver. You and I must realize that what we see is not all there is. Even when our situation looks dire and without hope, we must focus on Jesus and His Word. Phillipians 4:6-8 reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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.”

     Satan, “You Can’t Have My Focus” because you are a liar. We have all experienced times when it appears as though this old sinlful world is winning. The more we submit to the will of God, the worse things get. However, this is a distraction tactic of the enemy. 1 Peter 1:13-16 tells us, “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” 

     Satan, “You Can’t Have My Focus” because you are a destroyer. So many times, I have allowed the enemy to take my focus off of Jesus. I was constantly vearing to the right when the Spirit was telling me to go left. Due to life circumstances, we become so entangled that we go in survior mode instead of solider mode. In Proverbs chapter 4, it talks about acquiring wisdom at any cost. Verse 25 says something that reminds us of how important our focus is. It says, “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.”

     In order for you and I to declare, “You Can’t Have My Focus”, we must have a made up mind that is focused on Jesus and His Word alone.

Search yourself and go deeper:

  1. Have you allowed the enemy to take your focus?
  2. If the enemy has taken your focus by way of distractions and lies, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help you to get back on track and to focus on Jesus.
  3. Take time today and write out a plan to focus on Jesus. Remember, you are not alone! The Holy Spirit is here to help you.