While on holiday in Tasmania I did a lot of thinking about where God fits in my life, and where He would fit into the lives of others. I thought a lot about how I lived my life over the last twenty plus years and I am very thankful that I am now walking back with God.
After thinking about the place that God should have in my life, I realised that He should be my number one focus. It’s so easy to get side-tracked by what is in front of us instead of seeking God first. I am guilty of not putting Him first, but I am constantly reminding myself that while what I do here on earth is important, it’s not the be-all and end-all of my existence.
My contemplation brought me to have the following thoughts:
Every day should start with the Word, even if it’s just a verse to meditate on during the day. This will allow for the Word to enter and stay in our heart before an extended quiet time when the day allows. Quiet time IS important, so even making an appointment with God daily is one way to make sure that HE gets your focus!
Every thought needs to be a right thought. This means vetting our thoughts. As my dear dad has said, “don’t even think a negative thought; keep them positive.” Our minds need to be re-trained to exclude negative thoughts. If a negative thought does come, put it in check and get rid of it. One way to do this is by placing a biblical slant on it. If it’s something that is from God, then it’s OK. If not then it must go!
Every word we speak should be able to come out of Jesus’ mouth. If it doesn’t, then we must not say it. Our words should encourage, edify and exemplify. The tone of our voice is important, as is our choice of words, and that includes swearing/cursing.
Every action must have an eternal focus on it. While what we do, ie work, house-keeping, etc, is important, these things are immaterial compared to our eternal focus. However these things can be used to glorify Him. We must not let these things become idols and take over our lives and consume all our time. On the flip-side, everything we do is for HIM as our actions are our example of Jesus.
Our thoughts, words and actions are all linked together. One manifests itself into the other and has an effect on how we live. Each moment of every day is an opportunity to live the joy filled life that God has planned for us. He has EVERYTHING under control; we just need to trust Him and give ourselves over to Him.
The world is constantly changing...our lives are constantly changing; but every change brings the certainty that we are one step closer to eternity with Him. What we do with our lives (thoughts, words and actions) and the changes we encounter is up to us. We can let life’s circumstances rule how we spend our time and how we think, and with what we say and do, or we can trust Him.
God is good, faithful, loving and, most importantly, our focus. Look up and live!
(The above photo was taken by me on Somerset Beach, Tasmania facing west towards Wynyard and Table Cape.)
