We can easily become consumed by the things we focus our attention on. My pastor shared a saying, “Wherever your attention is, so goes your affections.” This struck a chord with me because I find it to be very true.
In this life, we are often drawn to worldly matters rather than focusing on spiritual growth and aligning our lives with God’s will. Some people react negatively to discussions about the Lord or spirituality. They may shrink back, roll their eyes, or wait until you are not around to gossip and speak negatively about you. Some even go as far as to label you a “bible thumper.” I don’t force my beliefs on others, but if I feel moved by the Holy Spirit to speak up in a particular situation, I will. But that’s a topic for another day.
My point is, that if we are not careful, we can find ourselves drifting far away from the Lord when we do not keep our focus on Him.
Matthew 6:33, says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” The more we seek after God’s Kingdom, the more likely we are to transition and transform to do His will and not our own. He knows our desires, dreams, and aspirations. He wants us to lead a joyful life not only in Heaven but also on Earth. We may think we know what we like and want in life, but He knows us better than we know ourselves. Yet, He is often the last being we think of when life is good. However, we are quick to call on Him or seek Him when faced with trials and tribulations that leave us on our knees looking for relief.
We often turn to prayer to ask for what we want, rather than using it as a way to communicate with the Lord, build a relationship with Him, and simply spend time meditating in a quiet space to be in His presence. Developing a prayer life is essential for nurturing a strong relationship with the Lord. We don’t need to search for Him because He will meet us wherever we are; He knows our exact location. Prayer is more than making requests and hoping that the Lord will fulfill them; He hears all prayers but only fulfills those that align with His will. So, how do we discern His will for our lives? The only way to do this is to spend time getting to know Him and learning His Word, which contains wisdom and instructions for how we should live our lives.
When we prioritize seeking the Kingdom first, our affections will follow, and we will grow stronger in our faith than in worldly matters that drive us further away from Him. Having a relationship with the Lord does not mean that our lives are free from trials and tribulations. In fact, it may mean we experience more challenges in this life. These trials and tribulations are not all from the enemy; some are a result of our poor decision-making, or they may be from the Lord Himself to test if we would turn to Him when faced with difficult circumstances. Other times, trials are meant to mold us, prepare us, and strengthen us, making us more resilient for what lies ahead. It is only after going through these pressures in life that we grow stronger and more resilient than before. Where’s Your Attention?
“Remember: ‘Where your attention is, so goes your affections.'”