REFOCUS and REFLECT

 

FEBRUARY 8, 2024

Job 33:4

“The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.”

 

Work. School. Relationships. Health issues. Bills. Cost of Living. Global conflicts. With so much going on in our lives, and around us, it sure is easy to get distracted from the things we actually want our lives to be about.

So, lets pause for a moment and take a deep breath.

As you exhale, envision laying down whatever worries or distractions are competing for your attention. (Repeat as necessary)

Then, focus on these words from Job 33:4: “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.”

Think about that verse for a moment. Re-read it slowly and pay attention to every word.

In your reflection on this passage, ponder this: your breath is sustained by the One who breathed you into existence. Although life may feel overwhelming at times, you are never far from the God who created and called you by name. God is as close as our very breath.

I invite you to Pause again.

What we just did together was a simple example of Scripture meditation. Meditation is referred to multiple times in the Bible as a way for followers of God to refocus and reflect on His words. Meditation is not something that can be done in our own strength. It involves drawing near to God and asking Him to make His thoughts and ways known to us. Biblical meditation helps us see our circumstances from "a holy perspective" because we are allowing what is holy to influence our perspectives. When we choose to set aside time to meditate on Scripture, we are choosing to shift our focus on God and His Word and off of ourselves and our world. In this practice we are allowing God to transform our thoughts and reshape our worldviews.

Together let us make space to focus on God’s Word. Below are some verses to get you started. As you make space for God’s word, by using the verses below, pay attention to any words or phrases that stand out to you, and ask God to clarify what He wants you to learn from that verse.


Joshua 1:8

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.


Philippians 4:8

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.


Psalms 119:15

I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.


Psalms 104:34

May all my thoughts be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the LORD.


2 Timothy 2:7

Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.