CHOICES

One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.

~Psalm 27:4 NIV

What do you want to be surrounded by?

CAR SEARCH

My husband and I spent two years researching which car we should buy to replace my old car. Should an emergency arise, we didn’t want to wait until the last minute and then regret a purchase made in haste. So, the decision simmered in the back of our minds for a long time.

Each time we seriously considered a particular car, we saw that make and model everywhere. It was as if every tenth car we saw was the model we thought about purchasing. 

It wasn’t a sign but evidence that our subconscious minds were dutifully working in the background, drawing our attention to what we focused on and causing other things to fade from view.

ADJUSTING OUR FOCUS

I am learning how critical it is to be selective about what captures my attention. What I focus on, both good and bad, will eventually be what surrounds me. When I focus on blessings, I will see God’s goodness surrounding me, but when I focus on pain and lack, misery will be my companion.

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

~Isaiah 26:3 NIV

We can become stuck on sad, angry, and fearful thoughts. And with that focus, the negative can become all we see. Or, we can shift our focus and see God’s love, joy, and peace. He is our healer, defender, and friend–a Father to the fatherless and the lover of our souls. If you desire good to surround you, seek the treasure of God’s heart.

Have you asked God to surround you with His peace?

Father God, help me to shift my focus from fear to faith. May I be delighted to find that as I focus on You, I will find I am surrounded by Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2023: Surrounded: Julie Souza Bradley Lilly: All Rights Reserved