Day 3: Fix Your Thoughts

I’ve been running every morning for about 10 days now.  Wooh, I feel good.  But aside from that and all the other amazing benefits I’ve experienced as a result of running, you know what’s been happening? God has been showing me, me.  What exactly has he shown me?  That I am the Queen of focusing on the wrong thing. 

Every time I run, I always seem to do the same thing.  I'm always thinking about the end.  It never fails.  As I'm running, I’m not focusing on what I am currently experiencing or where I am right now – I am thinking of when I will get to my final destination.

I shared with you the other day how it seems like the closer I get to my end point during my morning runs, I start getting extremely tired with the strongest urge to stop running and just walk to catch my breath. Yesterday as I ran, I tried something different.  Instead of focusing on my end goal.. instead of looking far down the road at my house and counting the houses until I got to my destination, I closed my eyes.  I closed my eyes and ran. 

Okay, I know that’s not the safest thing in the world to do but hear me out.  When I closed my eyes and just ran, I felt peace.  When I closed my eyes and just ran, I felt free.  When I closed my eyes and just ran, I wasn’t focused on the end.  My breathing got easier, my legs got stronger, and my heartbeat got steady.  By the time I opened my eyes, I wasn’t out of breath.  I was breathing steadily and had reached my destination. 

This morning, I tried something similar, but a little safer lol Instead of focusing on the end goal or closing my eyes like I’m crazy, I watched the road.  I focused on my feet and the ground right below each step.  And what happened?  1) I didn’t get hit by a car because my eyes were actually open lol, and 2) I got to my destination. Safely.  Rejuvenated.  Relieved. Full of peace.

These experiences reminded me of my own personal life.  Many times, God is trying to get me to focus on Him by spending time with Him, but I always find myself focusing on the wrong thing.  So many times, God is trying to get me to focus on who He is and what He is able to do, but I find myself focusing on what I can do.  You know, even with 30 Days of Intentionality.  It’s 30 whole days, and I find myself thinking about what is going to happen by the end instead of staying focused on the here and now.  And even with my quiet time with God -  I really try to lean into Him to get the word to share with you.  But many times, I find myself focusing on what my message for the day will be, instead of keeping my eyes on Him. 

It's wild that I do that, because in all actuality, when I focus on Him, he gives me all the words I need.  But when I try to do things on my own and in my own strength, I always come up short, lost, frustrated, or confused.  This week, I have tried to shift my perspective.  I fixed my thoughts on Him.  Not on what he can do for me, what he can help me with, or what I can or can’t do… Instead, I rested in the truth of who God is.  And I rested in knowing that He is God.  He is able.  He is amazing.  He is the beginning and the end. He knows my beginning and my end.  He is a good, good Father.  He is everything to me. 

As soon as I came into the truth of remembering this, He did all that he always has – gave me a peace that surpasses all understanding.  And then, he gave me all that I needed, and more.

I want to encourage you to fix your thoughts on the right things today… and every day for the rest of this challenge.  Instead of looking at the long road in front of you and how long it will take you to get to your destination… or what will happen as a result of you getting to that destination, look at the road that is right below your feet.  Focus on the here and now.  Focus on what is right here, right now.  And know that God is God and you are here, right where you are supposed to be… for such a time as this. 

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"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." - Philippians 4:8