Lenten Blog Series 2024: Still Focused: Week 4: Steel Focus by Dcn. Phil Stevenson

 Psalm 121:1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

 

Steel Focus by: Dcn. Phil Stevenson

As the old journalism adage goes, don’t bury the lead. Therefore, let me start by saying, “We should still focus on God because God is always focused on us!”

We are his prized possessions, a treasure in His eyes; that He never leaves or forsakes. The Father is concerned about all that concerns us. Knowing this should result in our focus being as strong as steel. Unshakeable! Indestructible! Everlasting! Why? Because God deserves it! He deserves a strong focus that is not easily distracted.

As we all know, the issues of life can sidetrack us. And even worst, the enemy is prowling like a lion, looking to steal our focus. But let us praise God, for He has provided us with all the tools to maneuver through the mayhem.                                        

1 Thessalonians 5:24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

I’ve heard (and have witnessed) that parents/guardians know their children better than most. Hence God knew He had to leave us a helper. Because without the Holy Spirit guiding us, it would be impossible to keep our eyes on Him, and every hardship would make us unstable like water. Yet, due to the Spirit’s still small voice will can look to the Lord and his strength, seeking his face always.

 John 15:4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

Our ability to hear God depends on our proximity to Him. Hence if we abide in Him, we are always connected, always properly aligned, always ready to bear fruit. A wise Pastor once said, “A tree is known by the fruit it produces.” Subsequently, let us remain focused on Christ so people see more of Him and less of us.

 Romans 12^:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.

As bodybuilders train to flex their muscles, we as followers of Jesus Christ, must renew our minds daily, because we will have to flex on the enemy. If we look through the Gospel accounts, Jesus met with the Father early and often. We should follow the lead of Christ. Because these early meetings show God we are determined to fortify our steel focus.