January 29th

Focus On The Blessings

God honors Christ-like behavior. 

But things happen in life.  Things that will get you down, things that disappoint, things that utterly break your heart, things that anger you, things that tempt you to stray from being a Christian. 

During these times, it is so hard to have Christ-like reactions and we tend to obey our emotions and feelings rather than falling back on our faith. 

How can we train ourselves to overcome our tendency to react in ways contrary to God’s word?  A good start is to focus on the past…I know that sounds like weird advice.  This is because when most people focus on the past, it is to recall things that can be used to feed negative thoughts.  We remember the bad things and let those memories fuel bitterness.

That is not the past you should focus on.  Rather, focus on the blessings from God in your life.  If you think about it, there are really too many to count.  And when you are in the midst of disappointment, heartache, anger, frustration, etc., being thankful for the blessings you do have can break the yoke of bondage to our feelings.  Remembering what God has done in the past will fuel your faith to wait on God and will see you through your present circumstances.

Verse: Psalm 103: 1-6 – O my soul, bless God.  From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name.  O my soul, bless God, DON’T FORGET A SINGLE BLESSING!   He forgives your sins – every one.  He heals your diseases – every one.  He redeems you from hell – saves your life.  He crowns you with love and mercy – a paradise crown.  He wraps you in goodness – beauty eternal.  He renews your youth – you’re always young in His presence.  God makes everything come out right; he puts victims back on their feet.