Month: May 2020

Doing something differently – where my focus is

What am I doing differently these days? With thoughts running in my head throughout the day, adding one simple step helps me see where my focus is.

What’s on my mind

I’ve been journaling for a while now, about ten minutes in the morning. I write what’s on my mind, then invite Jesus to speak into it. I try to pause and listen for a response, thoughts which come to my heart that I can write down.

Intentionally focus

Because I also seem to have a running conversation in my head, I’ve started writing out reflections as well. I realized this was a way to intentionally focus on what already had my attention or was preoccupying my thoughts. I try to sit down and write about it so I can focus on the topic and write down what comes to mind.

Pause

You may or may not have moments during which you can pause. Often times, life doesn’t allow for the sit down intentional place of focus.

I have noticed, when I’m going about my day that I can pause in the middle of my thoughts and see if I’ve brought Jesus into the conversation.

Where my focus is

What’s that supposed to mean, you ask? Well, if I’m preoccupied with something, that’s where my focus is. If I take just a moment to ask a question like, “Jesus, what’s your perspective on this? What are your thoughts?” I’m now focused on Jesus and not just my thoughts. I’ve invited Him into the conversation. All that time He’s been waiting patiently for me to invite Him into this aspect of my life.

Invite Jesus

Give it a try sometime. If you have a bunch of thoughts running through your head, maybe something that’s weighing you down or is taking up more of your attention than you’d prefer, then invite Jesus into the conversation. No fancy words needed. You don’t even have to pray, though some might see this as a way to pray. What’s important is to invite Jesus into the space.

Invitation to speak

I have wise friends. You know, the ones who never say anything until you invite them to speak. Then they share the most amazing piece of insight you wish you’d heard long before you spent a bunch of time preoccupied by whatever was weighing you down. In this type of scenario, think of Jesus like that. He’s like that wise friend, patiently listening, thoughtfully reflecting, and waiting for the invitation to speak lovingly into your life.

Will you invite Him to speak?

“The one whom God has sent speaks God’s words. That’s because God gives the Holy Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has put everything into his hands.” John 3:34-35 NIRV

More thoughts on where to focus:

Where to focus in the midst of change

How to simply pray

In between – the place we find Jesus

In between things. I’m starting to settle into a bit of a routine at the moment. Though truth be told, right now, I’m feeling a bit distracted.

How much longer? How much longer do we continue in this in between place?

We’re in this place of almost, but not quite. We’ve left the place we were, but haven’t yet arrived where we’re going. How do we move through this part of the journey?

There’s a story in the Bible where Jesus talks to some of his followers. They’ve been fishing and they’re done for the day. But Jesus invites them to do the work one more time. To cast out their net. They had tried all night with no results. A gut reaction would be to simply say no, we’re done. But they don’t. They follow Jesus’ lead and find a boatload of fish. (See John 21:1-6)

Sometimes, when we get to the end of our rope, or in the disciples’ case, to the end of their net, that’s just the place Jesus wants to meet us.

Just a little further.

Sometimes when we run out of our own strength, we find the place where Jesus invites us to walk in His.

So if you feel you’re at the end of your rope in this season, you might just be where God can show up and shine through.

“Look to the Lord and his strength;
   seek his face always.” Psalm 105:4 NIV

Song: I’m holding on, Lord

How to simply pray when you’re not sure what to do

When I’m not sure what to do next, I can simply pray.

Confession

True confession. This has been a week and I wasn’t sure I would get this blog post written. I had some ideas on what to write, but never had a moment to capture the words. I was working on it last night, but then life happened. You know, when everything else takes precedence and you have to let go of your plans.

Praying

So I found myself praying this morning: Lord, what do I write? It had come to this. I didn’t have anything put together on my own so I had to pray about it.

The beauty of prayer

That’s the beauty of prayer. It helps us focus on Jesus, not on our problem. Sure my problem was still there. I was no further along on my blog post, but I was closer to Jesus. It felt like time had slowed down a bit. I still had a hectic morning. I still didn’t have many words written down, but everything felt just a little more calm. I was able to take a breath and pause, if not in activity, at least with the thoughts in my head.

I focused on Jesus

Once I focused on Jesus I felt like I had more time. I had time to write and send a card to someone. I had time to make pancakes, though I misjudged the amount of water I needed and had to make adjustments. But I wasn’t stressed out about it.

Prince of Peace

I think for me, prayer is about perspective. I have a resource when I’m not sure my own resourcefulness will carry me through. I can look toward the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) when my perspective is anything but peaceful.

Words from Jesus

And if you’re not sure how to start, listen to a few words from Jesus on prayer:

“Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.” Matthew 6:6 MSG

More thoughts on how to simply connect with Jesus:

Rest a moment with Jesus and find peace.

If pausing and resting doesn’t come easily, rest assured you’re in good company:

What can I do in this season of chaos? Be still.