It can be tempting to remove our focus from God and place it on the events happening all over the world or even our own current unpleasant circumstances. I get it—these are very trying times. As a minor detour here, let me just say, I have learned that when the word temptation is mentioned in any form (tempt, tempting, etc.), I must avoid the action I am about to take. It is not God Who tempts us, it is a strategy of satan, one that he uses to destroy us (Matthew 4:1). God instead tests us to know the intentions of our hearts (Deuteronomy 8:2).
This post was birthed in a dream I had this morning. I found myself within this dream typing up a post about what satan is up to. I am not sure how my mind decided against this aforementioned topic, but instantly, I knew the post should instead reflect what GOD is doing. As I woke up and began to process this title, I began to realize how true it is. It is a firm stance decided upon that I want to know what GOD is doing, as opposed to what can become an unhealthy preoccupation with what my enemy is doing. Though I have shared this, I must also caution, as 2 Corinthians 2:11 informs us that satan can outwit us, therefore we must not be ignorant of his tactics. On the other hand, we must not forget Who God is. He is the King of Glory (Psalm 24:9) He is “the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning, and the End (Revelation 22:13 NIV)”, He is I Am (Exodus 3:14). He is so much more, and so much greater. Now, when placed next to these names and attributes of God, doesn’t the title of enemy seem small even puny? Again, do not underestimate satan and his tricks, but do not exalt him either. I don’t know about you, but I recall Ezekiel 28 which I encourage you to read in its entirety so you may have proper context. Satan wanted to be God, and that did not turn out so well for him. Does this then not show you how much BIGGER the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God you say you serve, is?
My friends, there is a little song that I like to sing by the name of “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” It has really helped to calm my mind in past trying times. It is my hope that it will also bless you. I would like to encourage you to get to know it. I would also like to encourage you to keep the lyrics close to your heart as a reminder of what action you need to take when you are tempted to place your hope or anxious thoughts anywhere else but on God.
So, rather than an answer to this title, you have been presented with strategy. Will you pray about it? Will you use it?
I challenge you:
1) Seek God: Look up the song: “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”, learn it, sing it.
2) Grab your Bible and look up: 1 Peter 5:7, Philippians 4:6, Philippians 4:19, Matthew 6:25-34, Isaiah 26:3, Isaiah 43:1-7, and John 3:16 to start. As you find each one, read them out loud. There is great power in the words we speak, especially God’s Words (Proverbs 18:4). Speak God’s life-giving Word over yourself and all situations concerning you. This exercise will uproot what is not of God that has stolen your focus and replace it with what God intends to be there. As a reminder, we must not conform to the image of this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). We are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). As we take on His image by our commitment to Him (His Word), we are being transformed. If you ever needed a reason to know what GOD is doing, remember, Jesus spoke “Peace…” to a storm and quieted it (Mark 4:39). That same Jesus (Hebrews 13:8) can once again speak “Peace…” into your situations IF your focus is: God, what are YOU doing?
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