Focus

One of the wonderful things about serving with a ministry is the invitation to participate in worship services in the middle of the week. A couple of days ago I joined our staff family in the main sanctuary and was singing along in worship when I practically heard the Lord clear His throat and ask me to listen to the words I was worshipping Him with. It went something like this, set to music of course:

Lord, please let the catering arrive on time.
Is my shirt long enough to cover my rear end?
I can’t forget to add that to my calendar.
Father, does she really want to be my friend?

I was mortified at the realization of what I’d been doing! How could I spend precious time worshipping the Lord with a laundry list of concerns and self-centered self-talk?

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
1 Peter 5: 6-9

The Lord gently caught my attention so I could recognize what I was doing and refocus my thoughts on Him. What a gracious God we serve! Then He also reminded me that I am supposed to bring my cares to Him. In fact, I am to cast, or throw, them on Him. I was troubled about my distracted worship because I believe that God deserves my full attention. However, because I am human, He invites me to throw those distractions, needs, and concerns on Him so that  I can focus fully on Him! He wasn’t bothered by my concerns. He simply wanted me to realize that He had heard me, had them well in hand, and reminded me that I could now fully worship Him without distraction.

Distraction is a tricky thing. It takes our minds and eyes off the One who loves us and has the answers to every question. Distraction leads us into the cyclical pattern of focusing on the problem. Distraction walks us down the enemy’s path of worry and despair. But alertness and soberness bring us right back to center. Watchfulness to the Lord sets us up to be in step with Him. Attentiveness to Him brings clarity. Mindfulness of the Lord builds our courage and confidence in His faithfulness.

So let me encourage you to enter His gates with thanksgiving. Fully cast those concerns on His welcoming, broad shoulders. Drop the temptation to be distracted. Trust Him to care for you as only He knows how. Stand firm in the faith. Then worship Him without reservation. You are His beloved daughter – equipped, called, loved, set apart, planned for, designed, and oh yes my friend –

You are adored.