I’ve always had an extremely active mind. So much so, that sometimes I can be a bit scatterbrained. Even while typing this, I’m thinking about all the things I want to do but don’t need to do, need to do but don’t want to do, and then there’s those random things that just are floating around up there. My mind is always going at a million miles an hour, which is exhausting. HOWEVER, I do thank God for a healthy mind that is always thinking critically, regardless of the intensity. So, let’s be clear about that. Lol.
Anywho.
Per my previous post, I am fasting from social media, alcohol, and a few other things. By no means a boast, but I want to make sure you all have context of why I was led to the idea of focus for this post. If fasting has done anything for me the past couple weeks, it’s redefined the word entirely. Within the first couple of days, I realized that changing behavior wasn’t easy. I’ll speak on the social media aspect of it. When I wake up, of course I thank God, but my social media notifications were waiting on me right after. That’s not a big deal, right? I acknowledged Him. No, wrong. Why am I so eager to scroll, first thing in the morning anyway? My muscle memory just automatically goes there, Now, I’m all for the positive aspects of social media: promoting/supporting businesses, sharing beautiful moments, and staying connected with your loved ones. But every list of pros comes with cons. The spirit of comparison on social media, along with the endless negative content and the way it eats up hours of your day is bound to have an effect on you subconsciously. This fast has helped me with focusing on the wrong things in that aspect. Just wanted to share that. Even while fasting, I’ve had some
challenges, but this experience has prompted me to consciously think, “What has my focus?”
To be honest, everything. Everything wants my focus and it takes intentional effort to combat that.
How do we keep our focus on God when literally everything else is competing for our attention?
The only answer to that question is to be in constant communication with Him so that nothing has the power to even contest for your focus. What does that look like for me? That means starting your day with Him, remaining in prayer to Him, and eliminating those things that, quite frankly, are the exact opposite of Him. If it ain’t of God, cut it off. If you’re unsure, pray about it and he’ll reveal those things He’s not pleased with, and in the meantime, it’s all up and through His Word. Just take a gander.
Romans 8:5
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Being focused on God means having to purposely pull away from those things that aren’t of Him. In this world, we will always have countless other things constantly trying to tear our attention away from Christ and it is our job to stay focused on Who matters most. I encourage you to evaluate what takes your attention and, if it’s not God or His plan for your life, let’s do some re-positioning. I’ve most definitely been guilty of giving my attention to things other than God and my life definitely reflected it. Shambles. Turmoil. Chaos. Even if it didn’t seem like it at the beginning, that’s what it ended up being. I'm learning, slowly but surely, focusing on my purpose instead of my problems or any other preoccupations is the most beneficial thing I could ever do.
Thank You Lord for a renewed mindset. Thank You for changed behavior. Thank You for focus.
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