FOCUSING OUR HEARTS ON GOD

The different challenges in our lives are inevitable. All of us face difficulties, no matter how close we are in our relationship with God. The reason is that we are not here in this world to avoid suffering, but to honor and obey our God in every area of our lives. Let us remember that our current suffering does not determine how much God loves us. God loves us to the fullest, always, even in our difficulties and suffering. As a matter of fact, we feel God's love towards us even more when we are in our darkest times in our lives, because when we are in our darkest moments, God empowers us with His presence when we completely embrace and trust in Him. Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." God's blessings do not necessarily avoid our challenges, difficulties, or suffering, but God's blessings stand in the midst of our challenges, difficulties, or suffering. 

Many have the misconception that when God blesses us with good things in this world, such as giving us the desires of our hearts, that God is closer to us. And to those who are going through suffering are far from God because suffering is the picture of the discipline or judgment of God. However, this is not necessarily true in the teaching of God through the Bible. God can use our suffering as a form of discipline or as a judgment, but this is not always the case. Likewise, having the desires of our hearts is not necessarily a blessing of God because they can be snares in our relationship with Him. So, how should we treat blessings and sufferings in our lives? We should not focus on the blessings of God or avoid suffering, but we should focus on how we can honor and obey God in every area of our lives. As we focus on God in everything that we do, everything will come into its place according to His wonderful plan in our lives. If we suffer, we suffer with Him. When we rejoice because of His blessings, we rejoice with Him.

We must prioritize our relationship with God. By walking with Him daily, we will clearly recognize His presence and gain strength and peace that nothing can shake.

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) How do I prioritize my relationship with God? What should be my purpose in this world? Instead of focusing on God's blessings and avoiding suffering, what should be my focus in life? Why?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, my purpose in life is not to seek your blessings or to avoid suffering, but to please and obey you in everything that I do, because you created me to worship and enjoy you as my God. Please help me to prioritize you in my life so that I may always be aware of your presence, which gives me strength and peace in the midst of my difficulties or problems. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.