I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Psalms 16:8 ESV
There’s a quiet confidence that accompanies a life focused on the Lord. It’s not that the Lord spares us from difficult times, things go wrong in everyone’s life, but when tough circumstances arise, they won’t have the power to rock your world. There is a direct correlation between emotional stability and focus on the Lord!
Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. Psalm 112:6-8 NIV
When we keep our minds focused on the Lord, we no longer fear bad news, not because we don’t expect to receive any, rather our trust in God gives us the security of knowing that in the end everything will be alright. There’s freedom in relinquishing control to God, accepting whatever comes our way and trusting that He will cause all things to work for our good.
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 ESV
So how can I set the Lord always before me? Let’s be honest, it’s so easy to get caught up in the things right in front of us. Responsibilities at work, family obligations, current events, and social activities eat up most of our time, and if any down time is left, we tend to fill it with the television. We simply will not have our focus on the Lord unless we make an intentional decision to do so. Here’s some practical ideas to keep your eyes on Him. If you can add to the list, please do so in the comments section so we can all benefit from your ideas.
- Start each day out with an extended time of prayer and a look at God’s word. Keep a journal and record at least one thought from your reading that you want to focus on the rest of the day.
- Choose a verse a week to memorize. Write it on index cards and place them in obvious places: your kitchen table, bathroom mirror, desk at work, refrigerator door.
- Set your car radio to a Christian station.
- Take advantage of your lunch break to pray with a friend, read a psalm or walk outside and pray.
- Get into the habit of texting an encouraging verse to a friends and choose friends who will do the same for you.
- If you enjoy working out, listen to your favorite Christian music while doing so.
- Read a Proverb each night with your family at the dinner table.
- Be involved in your church and the attend mid-week service.
- Join a life group or small group Bible study.
- If your church posts sermon notes online, review them during the week or listen again to the sermon while cooking dinner.
- Make some time for sharing with family or friends what God is doing in each of your lives.
Can you add anything to the list?