When we lose focus, we can lose direction and get off track. If we forget where we are going, then we tend to end up somewhere else.
Today, as we begin, let’s clarify our destination to avoid distractions, derailment, or getting lost in the midst of the journey!
The Biblical Call to Fix our Gaze
In the biblical context, the importance of focus is emphasized in Proverbs 4:25-27, where it says,
"Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil."
This passage highlights the significance of keeping our eyes fixed on the destination, ensuring that our journey aligns with God’s purpose.
Just as a traveler needs to focus on the path ahead to reach their destination, believers must fix their gaze on God’s will and remain steadfast in their faith.
Abraham’s Faithful Journey: A Model of Unwavering Focus
An exemplary biblical figure who exemplified unwavering focus on the destination is Abraham. Hebrews 11:8-10 recounts,
"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith, he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God."
Abraham’s journey demonstrated faith and an unwavering focus on the promised destination, illustrating how trust and obedience empower the navigation of life’s journey.
Straining Toward the Goal: Applying Biblical Wisdom in Our Lives
Applying this principle to our lives today requires intentional focus on our spiritual destination. Philippians 3:13-14 encourages us,
"Brothers and sisters, 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, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
As we face challenges and distractions, it is crucial to cast aside the weights of the past, fix our eyes on the ultimate prize, and press on in our journey of faith. This mindset enables us to endure, overcome obstacles, and remain aligned with God’s purpose, ultimately ensuring that we reach the destination He has prepared for us.
Navigating Life’s Journey with Biblical Focus and Assurance
In conclusion, focusing on the destination to guide us through the journey is not just a practical principle but a biblical one as well. Proverbs, the life of Abraham, and the wisdom of Paul in Philippians collectively urge us to keep our eyes fixed on God’s promises, obey in faith, and press on toward the heavenly goal. As we journey through life, let us remember that our ultimate destination is with God, and by maintaining this focus, we navigate the twists and turns of life with purpose and assurance. May the scriptures guide our steps and may our unwavering focus on the destination strengthen our faith and resolve, ensuring that we stay on the path God has laid out for us.
Today’s Devotional
This year, I am utilizing the 365 Daily Devotions book I received for Christmas, applying its teachings specifically in the context of fatherhood. It’s called WALKING WITH GOD by DAVID JEREMIAH. It’s exciting to get to learn from a new resource this year as we have tried different options the past two years and will keep working through this one for 2024. For more information about the author and his ministry, visit: DavidJeremiah.org.
Topic: KEEP THE END IN MIND
Verse: Luke 21:28 (NIV)
When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
Firstly, let’s be the dads who are keeping our focus on making the main thing the main thing. Moreover, let’s be the dads who don’t lose focus on the destination in the midst of the challenges and struggles, the trials, troubles, and tribulations of life. Therefore, let’s be the dads who are able to stand up and lift up our heads because we know that redemption is drawing near.
Today’s Devotional starts with the analogy of wanting to heal and get better even after hearing from a doctor that “you’re going to feel worse before you feel better.” We need to be the dads who keep our eyes on the goal, the destination, on the finish line so that through it all we walk out today with hope.
Happy Endings
Today’s Devotional steps into the topic of “happy endings” which aligns with where I stand. If someone tells me they have good news and bad news then ask me which I want to hear first, I always say the bad news because I want a happy ending. Today’s Devotional points to the end times which is interesting as both weekend services and the bible study I was a part of have also been speaking about the end times. Ironically, my main blog From 2005 To Eternity got its name from it having started with my morning reading from the Bible in the book of Revelation. As believers, “a downturn in the economy doesn’t install gloom” because it points to the promise of God that “our redemption draws near.”
Finish Strong
Today’s Devotional takes from the start of our redemption at the Cross to the finishing when the church will be lifted up and ushered into the Kingdom of God before the tribulation. When we see the signs we shouldn’t walk in fear but rather we should cling to Jesus and find joy because we know Jesus is coming soon. Let’s be the dads who grab a hold of today’s verse and lift up our heads, even in the midst of troubles, trials, and tribulations because we know where our hope comes from. Stop being so downcast, remember the words of David “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Today, let’s instead grab a hold of the verse from Luke and “stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
Signs Of The Times, Are Everywhere.
GORDON JENSEN
There’s A Brand New Feeling In The Air.
Keep Your Eyes Upon The Eastern Skies.
Lift Up Your Head, Redemption Drawled Nigh.
