"Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty and will lift up your face to God."
Job 22:26
Do you ever find yourself wanting to be happy, but can't seem to? Our mental health can be affected by so many things in a single minute-- thanks to modern technology. Don't get me wrong, technology isn't bad it's how we're using it that becomes bad. If you are constantly spending time on your phone-- social media, texting, calls, etc-- you will miss the blessings God has given you. Pick your head up! Look around! God is showing up in your life-- are you missing Him?
When our focus is skewed and aimed at earthly things we become drained, tired, and unhappy. When we fix our gaze on God we see Him in all of His glory. We see the abundant amount of blessings He has given us, and we see Him working every circumstance for our good. In Romans it says, "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires"(Romans 8:5). Are you living according with the Spirit?
The way you live is evident of you relationship with God. Here's how I know that--the devil doesn't try to make us hate God-- he tries to shift our focus from God. When we're distracted we aren't actively pursuing a relationship with our Savior. Ask yourself-- Where's my focus?
Is your focus on God or on the world? If you're unsure take a minute and walk through these steps. When you are feeling the toll of life pause to: Sow deeper, Germinate, Pull Weeds, and Grow.
Here are the simple definitions of the steps...
1. Sow Deeper: The planting or scattering of seeds
2. Germinate: The sprouting of a seed after a period of dormancy or waiting
3. Pull Weeds: Ridding of the weeds that choke out other plants
4. Growing: blooming relentlessly; cultivating and acquiring
What Does This Look Like In My Life?
1. Sowing Deeper: In our lives we are in need of sowing by God's word. In Luke chapter 8:11 Jesus says, “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God." The seed that needs to be planted in our soul is God's word. With God's word at the root of your growth how can you miss Him?
2. Germinating: Though the seed is planted it doesn't quite promise that anything will grow. First the seed must germinate; which from above we can see means simply waiting. We must wait and absorb as much water from around us as we can. This waiting period is hard and a lot can happen to the seed as we wait.
The seed can be taken by the devil; unbelievers who have hardened hearts but can still be saved {Luke 8:12 & Matthew 18:19}, those being the seed that landed on rocky ground which means it wasn't able to deeply root {Luke 8:13}. It can also fall amongst the thorns being choked out by the hustle and stressors of a world-focused life {Luke 8:14}, but lastly, if the seed was planted in good soil it will absorb the water it needs and will grow with roots strong enough to withstand the devil's schemes. Where does your heart lie? Rocky, in the thick of sin, or is it good soil?
3. Pulling Any Weeds: Weeds are tricky plants that choke out the plants you want to grow. They're deceitful-- they look harmless, sometimes even like a flower-- but are dangerous and choke out all the good. If your heart cares for things of this world the word of God will eventually be choked out of your life and the devil will replace it with lies. Is your heart able to hear God's truth over the noise of the world?
3. Growing: After all weeds and thorns are removed and your heart is good, it's time to grow in God's word. To grow from the Word you must remain in the word {John 15:4}, and by remaining in the word you are cultivating your heart to gain truth. When you are filled with God's truth the devil's lies can't take a hold of your mind. Growing is a continuous process that is never done, just refined and pruned so more growth and fruit bearing can take place. Are you growing in God's truth? Are you remaining in His word and thanking Him daily?
As you carry on with your day and week, keep these steps in mind. When you find yourself unable to find joy in your life-- fix your focus. Turn to God, dig into His word, and remove the worldly things that are draining you. Could you be in an unhealthy relationship with a friend or significant other? Are you spending most of your time scrolling aimlessly on your phone? Are you gossiping? Lying? Weeds look different to everyone, but when you find yours and remove them, then you can see how God is working in your life.
When you feel the effects of life stop and ask yourself: Where's my focus? On God or on the world?
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