Focus For The Day
Someone said years ago, “When I wake up each morning and open my eyes I want the enemy to say “OH NO, she’s awake. RUN!”
That is what I want to be said about me. This morning though, once awake, I felt tired and worn. Surely quiet time was needed. Fatigue puts me in a weakened position. Knowing my weakness I lean into God. My thoughts words and actions are then focused on Him.
Moving through the day sure and steady, what God had planned got accomplished. This included encouraging the people with whom I had a chance to interact. Additionally, there was the opportunity for writing.
The key was having a habit of starting with the focus on God and His plan for me. As a result, even when I’m off kilter a bit I’m ok.
We had a discussion in our small group one evening about praying and when is the best time to pray. As I consider over the years the most effective is to go to sleep thinking about God and to wake to say good morning to Him; asking Him for His plan. I then put on the spiritual armor as if I was dressing. Well, I am. I’m dressing my spirit for the day.
We wouldn’t run off to work in our underwear or a soldier run out to the battlefield wearing only a helmet. The same holds true for our spiritual being. Consider greeting God first thing. Being quiet and hearing that still small voice of God’s. Doing this before we fill our mind and heart with our voice and activity. Intentionally giving preference and deference to God. Watching for His direction and submitting to His authority and guidance. Putting on the armor of God is as important as dressing for the day.
It says two things:
I am serious about accomplishing something of value today.
I am prepared for all circumstances I can encounter today.
When we are submitted to Gods plan He has little interest in our engaging the devil. Our goal is not to engage in or win battles with Satan; God already did that. Our goal is to accomplish what God has sent us to do and when we focus on Him and not all the demons we are successful.
I do not believe there is a devil around every bush. I believe there are two. They are happy to engage if we will. But, remember, that is not our focus. This is why we need to have on the armor before our feet hit the ground each day.
When we have on the armor we have the belt of truth securely in place; we have the breastplate of righteousness, His righteousness firmly attached to the belt of truth and squarely covering our spirit, our heart, and our emotions. We cover our feet with the readiness of the Gospel of peace which is the life and purposes of Jesus. We take the shield of faith so that we are not overwhelmed or harmed by the enemy and distracted by temptation. Next, we put on the helmet of salvation to keep our mind and mouth under the authority of the salvation of Christ. Finally, we pick up the sword of the spirit which is sharper than any two-edged sword that it would cut the darkness from the light; truth from lies.
Now we are ready to start our day.
It’s not about fighting demons it’s about living for God and loving those around us. This includes those that cross our path and those who are our enemies. It is about being a light in the darkness; bringing hope to the hopeless as it says in Isaiah 61:
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.”
Isaiah 61: 1-3 NIV
We are not here to engage the demons we are here to proclaim the good news. A. W. Tozer put it, “Preach the Gospel at all times and when absolutely necessary use words.” Words are important, Jesus used them to spread the word of God’s great love for us. But, He didn’t stop there. He backed His words with His actions.
Jesus went to the Father regularly. He did this several times a day to hear from the Father for the direction, wisdom, and strength. He spent time leaning into God; gaining insight and strength. Jesus tells us this:
“So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that He himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel.”
John 5:19-20 English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus goes on to tell us that it is in the Father’s authority that He speaks. Listen:
“For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak.”
John 12:49 English Standard Version (ESV)
If Jesus needed to spend time with the Father to gain His insight and instruction, then I need to spend the time with the Father too.
Jesus conquered sin and death so that we have the ability to choose each and every day who we will serve. But He spent the time with His Father to gain the battle plan. He went into battle clothed and ready to not only fight but win. The Holy Spirit was with Him and the Father directed Him in all authority. We have the same opportunity. We have the same resources as Jesus. Jesus came to build a bridge for all mankind so if they chose, they could be reunited with the Father for eternity.
Jesus’ only goal was to do the Fathers will. When absolutely necessary Jesus engaged Satan, but Satan wasn’t His focus…we were.
Today are you willing to set your focus on God’s plan for the day, before you open your eyes?