Staying focus

Staying Focus
By Patricia Ang

In our lives we face trials and tribulations like the death of a love one, the end of a relationship, failure in business or in studies, being in debt, how then in spite of what we are going through in our lives are we able to stay focus on the Lord? Jesus never promise believers a life free of pain, difficulty or loss. We are not exempt from struggle, heartache or disappointment. Yet in Psalm 46 it states that God is our shelter, our strength, ever ready to help in times of trouble.

How many of us actually stay focus in what we are doing in our lives? Do we set goals for 1 year, 5 years or 10 years? Sometimes in our career, when it comes to job interviews we are so confident of the goals and plans that we tell our potential employers. However when we actually get the job, do we achieve those goals? How about our spiritual life? Are there goals set to seek the eternal kingdom of God? Solely going to church and not reading the bible or not attending spiritual courses or not even being in fellowship with fellow church members may actually leave one stagnant in our spiritual lives.

Paul said: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Living a life of faith means never knowing where you are being led. But it does mean loving and knowing the one who is leading. A life of faith literally means putting God first in your life. Be serious in your commitment to the Lord. God is more important than anything else in life.

Sometimes in life, we meet people whom we feel indignant by their words and actions, their malicious gossip, their hypocrisy, their pride and to think that some of these people are our fellow Christians that we know. As we look at their actions, one can’t help thinking out aloud, if they are serving God in their ministry, why do they not walk the talk and behave like Christians? Will we be like them when we join their Ministry? Some of us because of such people actually distance ourselves away from the church and our Lord. When such situations arise, pray for yourself, read the bible, say the rosary and pray for these people that the Lord will lead them back on the straight path. God is all the strength we need.

What’s your personal relationship with Jesus? Pray and seek him first. Only Jesus has the power to deliver souls from sin and guilt, from fear, distress and despair. Turn to him in your moments of despair and sorrow. When you are down, seek Him first. Go to a quiet place, empty your mind and meditate by turning your focus on the crucifix and placing the image in the middle of your mind and be in the presence of the Lord. God draws near to those who draw near to Him.

Pray and have faith then things will show up to you. Only you will know and understand his plans for you. Read the word, the bible daily to be guided in our way of living. Only God knows what you need and the answer is from him alone. Do not be disappointed when he does not revert. You may face a closed door or you may travel along an unknown path, but whatever the situations are, stay focus on the Lord.

Be alert to the opportunities that He has sent you. Don’t forget that at times the people that you meet are the guardian angles sent from above. We can pray to God but we also have to put in the effort in the prayers we ask for.

“In God alone there is rest for my soul, from him comes my safety; with him alone for my rock, my safety, my fortress, I can never fall,” (Psalm 62). The Bible promises those who believe in Christ that they will have a companion on the journey to help encourage and strengthen them in whatever may come their way. HE is the one who promised: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper, I will not fear.” (Heb 13:5).