Tag: Focus on God

Grumpy to Godly

Published on by Kristen1 Comment

Confession

I have a confession to make. My natural state is grumpy, selfish, sarcastic, and prone to temper tantrums. Or rather, that is what I tend to be when I focus on myself, on others, and on negative events happening around me.

But when I focus on God – who He is and what He has done for me – I become something else. I become godly. I find I have patience with myself and others; I am kinder and more thoughtful; I am slow to judge and quick to forgive. These are some of the fruits of the spirit, and they are mine when I take the time to focus on God. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Focusing on God

I know this, but I still struggle to turn my attention from the crazy, flashy things of this world to the peaceful awesomeness of the Creator.

One thing that helps me each day is a simple prayer – a single sentence, actually. A friend of the family said he felt that this was meant for me, to say each morning as part of my daily prayer routine. I wrote it on a slip of paper, which I keep in my car:

Photo credit: Ashley Jones
Photo credit: Ashley Jones

Each day, I earnestly pray, “Thank you, Lord, for all my blessings, for I am so very blessed.”

  • On days when things are going my way, this is a great reminder that it is God who blesses. I can do nothing apart from Him. (John 15:5)
  • On days when it feels like the world is coming to an end, when I just can’t get it right, and everyone is out to get me, this reminds me that God is in control. (John 1:3)

Sometimes, blessings are sweet and joyful, like a new friendship or a pay raise. Other times, blessings are painful transitions, but they bring us closer to God. This simple one-sentence prayer reminds me of that, and puts life back in focus.

Find Your Focused Prayer

I believe God gave this simple prayer to our friend to help encourage me and keep my eyes on Him. However, you may need different encouragement, such as hope for healing, belief in transformation, or patience to endure a difficult circumstance. Pray that God will bring a sentence, a Scripture verse, or a song lyric to mind to help you stay focused on Him.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NAS Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

~ Ashley Jones