Giving God My Attention

In Psalm 25:15 I read, “My eyes are always looking to the LORD for help. He will keep me from any traps." (NCV)

Was there ever someone in my life that I thought about all the time who was totally oblivious to me? It’s hard to imagine that someone who occupied so much of my thoughts could hold no space for me in their own mind. But it’s happened to most of us at some point, and it can be a painful experience.

Imagine how God must feel when he can’t get my attention. The Bible says he’s constantly thinking about me. It must hurt him when I don’t give him space in my thoughts throughout the day.

God wants my attention! But how do I give it to him? One way is this: When I pray about something over and over, I give him my attention.

One of the reasons God had particular affection for King David is because David gave God his attention all the time. David said, “My eyes are always looking to the LORD for help. He will keep me from any traps” (Psalm 25:15 NCV). That means David was persistent in prayer.

Like King David, I face unexpected traps every day. God is the only one who knows them in advance, and persistent prayer is the best way to steer clear of them.

When I’m going up a mountain road, it’s always helpful to be able to anticipate what’s ahead. But if I’m stuck behind a slow truck and can’t see around the curve ahead, the trip is frustrating. At that moment, how helpful would a helicopter be to give you the “all clear” to pass?

God is like that helicopter. He can see what I can’t see. He can see the traps I’m going to have this week, this month, and this year. If I give him my attention and focus, he’ll go ahead of me and show me how to avoid all of the traps.

The Bible says, “Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!” (Psalm 105:4 ESV). How often should I seek God? Continually. Prayer is not something to be checked off a list. It is an ongoing conversation.

Be persistent in my prayers. Keep seeking God for his direction and help. Don’t stop talking to him! He loves my attention, and he is ready and waiting to answer my prayers.

In summary, always look to the Lord for help, for he will help me avoid any traps. Imagine how God must feel when he can’t get my attention. The Bible says he’s constantly thinking about me. It must hurt him when I don’t give him space in my thoughts throughout the day. God wants my attention! But how do I give it? One way is: When I pray about something over and over, I give him my attention. David gave God his attention all the time. David was persistent in prayer. Like David, I face unexpected traps every day. God is the only one who knows them in advance, and persistent prayer is the best way to steer clear of them.  It’s always helpful to be able to anticipate what’s ahead. But if I’m stuck behind a slow truck and can’t see around, the trip is frustrating. How helpful would a helicopter be to give you the “all clear” to pass?  God is like that helicopter. He can see what I can’t. If I give him my attention and focus, he’ll go ahead of me and show me how to avoid all of the traps. How often should I seek God? Continually. Prayer is not something to be checked off a list. It is an ongoing conversation. Be persistent in my prayers. Keep seeking God for his direction and help. Don’t stop talking to him! He loves my attention, and he is ready and waiting to answer my prayers.

Psalm 25 is a  prayer for defense, guidance, and pardon. As I trust in God, he grants these for me.  If my eyes are always on the Lord, He will rescue me from the traps of the enemy. 

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.