Stay Focused

Scriptures: “You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying Your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all Your commands. I will praise You with an upright heart as I learn Your righteous laws. I will obey Your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.” (Psalm 119:4-8)

I was on the treadmill, doing my share of exercise that day. As I have always done, I started slow and, little by little, increased the speed to give myself a good and healthy workout. To stay alert and interested, I turned on TV and watched the news at the same time jogging on the treadmill.

Just when I thought I was doing pretty good, going at the speed I enjoyed and jogging at a consistent pace, then I noticed a strange noise coming from the back and I felt something under my feet. I looked around and found myself jogging closer to the edge of the treadmill behind me. The noise actually came from my feet, slipping off the treadmill. I asked myself, “How did this happen?” I thought I was jogging at the pace shown on the display panel on the treadmill. If so, I should never have slipped back. But, I did. I must not have kept the pace I should.

I realized that I must have been watching the news so attentive that I was not aware of my speed slowing down. So, I sped up and focused on my position on the treadmill as I continued to jog. In this way, I was able to complete my workout on the treadmill without slowing down again.

I think, in many ways, we could make the same mistake spiritually too. Paul also used running as an analogy to our spiritual life. He said this in the book of Philippians, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. Press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14)

Just like my workout, we need to stay focused in our spiritual life. We can be easily distracted and forget why we even took on this spiritual journey. Or, we become less attentive and less sensitive to the way we grow and strive in our spiritual life and we wonder why there are so many noises in our lives! If only we look back and measure ourselves against the decrees and commands of God, then our mistakes and oversights will be revealed for correction to bring us back on track with the pace at which our Lord Jesus would like to walk with us!

All these workouts were designed to make us better and more fitting physically. As I sweat in workouts after workouts, I can actually feel my legs growing stronger and I know my cholesterol level is getting better. That’s the whole purpose of doing exercises. In the same way, through our circumstances and opportunities, God has in store for each of us a spiritual workout plan, a plan designed to strengthen us and to bring blessings to others.

But, so often, we either get distracted by other things in life that we missed the opportunities or grow weary because we carry too much unnecessary baggage that we slowed down our pace. We may still believe that we are following our Lord when, in fact, we were just dragging our feet. The psalmist says, “My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word.” (Psalm 119:81) Yes, in times of weariness, the Word of God is our hope. Our Lord is the source of our strength and the guide through this journey called life.

Let’s run through this life the way Bible teaches us, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lost heart.” (Hebrew 12:1-3)

Prayer Requests:
For those struggling to improve their physical health condition

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for your unfailing love and supporting arms that sustain and lift us up each time we feel tired and disoriented. Help us to stay focused on You and You alone so we can press on to take hold of what You have called us to take hold of. May all glory and praises be unto You! In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!