One thing that God is restoring to many of us in this season is this…focus.
Repeatedly over the last few years, things will occur and when I begin to pray and cry out to the Lord, He says, “Lisa, this is just a distraction.” This kept happening over and over again…it still does. I have grown very sensitive to what is a real problem and what is merely a distraction tactic of the enemy.
Remember what happened when Peter was walking on the water?
“Lord, if it is You,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to You on the water.” “Come,” He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed in the boat, the wind died down. Matthew 14:28-32
The enemy is desperate to distract us because he knows we’re sunk if we lose focus on God.
Friend, what if next time something stressful happens in your life…instead of surrendering to that stress, you surrender to Jesus? What if you begin to hear that still, small voice speaking to you, “This is a distraction.”? This has been life changing for me. Every time I hear Him say that, I am assured that a solution is already in place and I just need to calmly walk things out. Releasing the stress and receiving peace that surpasses understanding.
Keeping the peace is SO worth it. As I reflect on all this pandemic nonsense of the last two years, I fully realize that the enemy capitalized on fear. He made every effort, and still is, to keep everyone in fear…no peace. Those in peace have been set free. Those still fearing have become slaves to it. This is a very clear example of the focus I’m speaking about. What if we had found focus before we made any decisions? How might things might be different for everyone today?
Focus. We can’t live an abundant life without it. We won’t keep our peace apart from it. Focus.
God, this morning I ask You to be my main focus. I lay down all my stress and worries and receive Your peace. Draw my eyes constantly toward Yours. Remind me when I lose focus. Draw me closer when You see me pulling away and surrendering to the world. I surrender only to You. Let me not be led astray. Forgive me for anytime that I have lost focus on You. I belong to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Who, then, are those who fear the Lord? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose. They will spend their days in prosperity, and their descendants will inherit the land. The Lord confides in those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only He will release my feet from the snare. Psalm 25:12-15
Today is a good day to find your restored focus. Turn away from the world and find His eyes, then you will know what is true, good and profitable. Many are asking, “Where do we go from here.” The answer is simple, find His eyes and come back to the surface of the water you’ve been drowning in…it’s the only way forward.
365 Days in the Presence 