Focusing My Attention

In Jeremiah 29:13 it says, “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me." (NLT)

Giving someone my attention is the greatest gift because my time is my life.

When I turn my face to someone and focus my eyes on them, it makes them feel like I genuinely care and are interested in what they have to say.

I can do this with God, I can turn my face to him in prayer. Just look up! Show him that I’m checking in and ready to talk. Even though it’s a good way to pray, there’s nothing in the Bible that says I have to close my eyes or bow my head. When I close my eyes and think, I go to sleep. Try praying aloud to God and looking up. It's a physical reminder that I’m refocusing my attention.

Daniel did this when he needed God’s help and wisdom: “So I gave my attention to the Lord God, to seek Him by prayer” (Daniel 9:3 NASB). After I listen to God through his Word, then the second step of prayer is to seek him.

God makes many promises in the Bible for those who seek him.

“Seek me and live” (Amos 5:4 NIV). As I persistently seek God, I’ll start learning how to really live.

“I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me” (Proverbs 8:17 NIV). If I’m having trouble finding God, make sure I’m seeking him with the right motives, wanting to know him and not just wanting to get something from him.

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13 NIV). I’m going to find God when I really want to know him, not just in my spare time.

“God . . . rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV). If I want to see God reward my work, finances, relationships, and future, then seek him.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need” (Luke 12:31 NLT).

When I pursue God first, I don’t have to worry about all the other things the world says I need to stress over. Give him my attention. Turn my face to him, and show him that I want to give him first place in my life.

In summary, If I look for God wholeheartedly, I will find him. Giving someone my attention is the greatest gift because my time is my life. When I turn my face to someone and focus my eyes on them, it makes them feel like I genuinely care and are interested in what they have to say. I can do this with God. Just look up and show him that I’m checking in and ready to talk. There’s nothing in the Bible that says I have to close my eyes or bow my head. Try praying aloud to God and looking up. It's a physical reminder that I’m refocusing my attention. Daniel did this when he needed God’s help and wisdom. After I listen to God through his Word, then the second step of prayer is to seek him. God makes many promises in the Bible for those who seek him. As I persistently seek God, I’ll start learning how to really live. If I’m having trouble finding God, make sure I’m seeking him with the right motives, wanting to know him and not just wanting to get something from him. I’m going to find God when I really want to know him, not just in my spare time. If I want to see God reward my life, then seek him. When I pursue God first, I don’t have to worry about all the other things the world says. Give him my attention. Turn my face to him, and show him that I want to give him first place in my life.

According to God's wise plan, his people were to have hope and a future; consequently, they could call upon him in confidence. Although the exiles were in a difficult place and time, they did not need to despair because they had God's presence, the privilege of prayer, and God's grace. God can be sought and found when I seek him wholeheartedly. Neither strange lands, sorrows, frustration, nor physical problems can break my communion with God.

Father, thank you for Your Word and Jesus as my savior and example. You want me and I need you in my life. Please give me Your strength for today and remind me in little ways that I can always believe in, have faith in and can trust you in everything. This includes being the authority for my life, the source of my self-worth and my hope for the future. You have my best interests in mind. So I ask you to help me to embrace the way you’ve made me; my gifting and passions. Help me to serve and fulfill the mission you have in mind for me. 

Today, I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, doing well and making a difference in others lives. I pray all these things through your Son Jesus’ name, Amen.