How to Stay Focused on Christ
Does summer for you mean living without routines? I love it. We truly need to break routines once in awhile. But the fact is living without routines can be disastrous. Also for our spiritual well-being. Routines help us stay focused on the right things.
While on vacation we might forget to keep our daily date with God. For a few days it does not matter that much. God does not move anywhere. Grace is valid even when we do not focus on it. But after a few days without being filled with the Spirit, doubts and fears start to creep in us. And that’s when all kinds of troubles start. Just ask Peter.
Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror. But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.” Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come ahead.” Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!” Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?” The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, “This is it! You are God’s Son for sure!” (Matthew 14:25-33, MSG, emphasis added,*)
Peter was the first one to step out of the boat and walking in faith on the water toward Jesus. And he was doing great until he looked elsewhere. Fear does come in waves. When Peter lost his focus on Jesus, he became full of doubts and started to sink. Blessedly Jesus was right there for him to reach out and catch him. The same way when we lose our focus on Jesus, we become full of doubts and start to sink. Blessedly Jesus is right there for us to reach out and catch us.
As we look for Jesus Christ to be our guide in life we are doing great. If we focus on God, we won’t sink. If we focus on God, we will walk in faith. But the moment we start looking elsewhere for answers we start sinking in. The moment we get distracted, doubts and fear start creeping in.
What to do then? How can I stay focused on Christ in summer? Enjoy your vacation. Enjoy your routine-less existence. But don’t forget God. Don’t forget prayer. Don’t forget centering on God. Don’t forget reading your Bible. Even just a few verses will get you refocused on Jesus. And your doubts and fears are kicked out of your heart and mind. “Take a courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” This is what the blessed existence is all about: being free, fearless and focused on Christ.
Dear God,
We so need you.
Forgive us for getting distracted with minor things.
Enable us to stay focused on you.
That is the only way to the blessed existence.
Keep us free, fearless and focused on you.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Q4U: How do you stay focused on Christ?
Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you embrace the blessed existence with Christ!
* [As you might have noticed, I enjoy reading the Bible in different translations and love comparing them. I have started linking the Bible verses to Biblegateway.com so you can easily read (and compare) them in the different versions I’ve used while preparing each post.]
Image courtesy of Daly Hill. Linking up today with Unite the Bloggersphere, Three Word Wednesday and #tellhisstory.
8 thoughts on “How to Stay Focused on Christ”
Amen, TY, sis, love ur courage, & the graphic~cute!!!
we do get afraid, moments of doubt, the enemy trys to use whoever he can consume…but if we abide daily our trust & love will cancel his agenda, he will flee… trying to remember first thing each morning the price Jesus paid! revering His sacrifice, the Great Love it conveys to a heart that believes, a concious effort to remember our identity in Christ, so needed, for too easily we relax too long, let our guard down & oops, we slip, fall into snares of fear or panic…recognizing this we get back by His side…spiritual warring, the longer we let our guard down the stronger a foot hold for our enemy….& though we may battle~we can always take courage~he is a defeated foe~the war already won thru JESUS, hallelujah!!!
GBU, sis! maintaining focus together :)))
Yes! Let’s stay focused together! We are in danger when we are alone and forget what’s really important. But, yes, we have victory in Christ! Thanks for journeying with me. Abundant blessings to you, Crystal! 🙂
Oh yes, fear does come in waves. I’ve had more sinking Peter moments than I care to admit, and God has been working on that area of my faith. I enjoyed your post today and am so happy to discover your lovely blog via Three Word Wed.
Delightful to connect with you, Ginger! I visited you blog and you do amazing ministry. So blessed to meet you. Thank you so much. Bountiful blessings to you and yours!
I’ll enjoy connecting with you on FB and twitter:)
Sounds great! Thanks!
I’m next to you at Unite this week. Good word here! I failed to have my devotions on a recent family reunion. I need solitude and peace and quiet and that didn’t happen. I notice a difference in my own spirit when I miss this time with Jesus.
Thank you for sharing, Elizabeth! That’s my experience too; it is our loss if we skip our time with God. Spirit-filled Blessings!