The Joy of Focusing on God

by Sarah Young, from Jesus Calling Morning and Evening Devotional

Morning

I am ever so near you, hovering over your shoulder, reading every thought. People think that thoughts are fleeting and worthless, but yours are precious to Me. I smile when you think lovingly of Me. My Spirit, who lives within you, helps you to think My thoughts. As your thinking goes, so goes your entire being.

Let Me be your positive Focus.

When you look to Me, knowing Me as God with you, you experience Joy. This is according to My ancient design, when I first crafted man. Modern man seeks his positive focus elsewhere: in sports, sensations, acquiring new possessions. Advertising capitalizes on the longing of people for a positive focus in their lives. I planted that longing in human souls, knowing that only I could fully satisfy it. Delight yourself in Me; let Me become the Desire of your heart.
Psalm 139:1–2; Matthew 1:23; Psalm 37:4

Evening

Most people are not very aware of their thoughts during their “down times,” but I am quite aware of them. I want you to train your mind to turn toward Me more and more. Think about who I am — Creator, Savior, King of kings — and ponder My amazing, unending Love for you.
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is man that You are mindful of him, the son of man that You care for him? — Psalm 8:3–4

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — His good, pleasing and perfect will. — Romans 12:2

Also read:

Psalm 119:11 NKJV
Before You Turn Out the Light

Spend some time in quietness — away from the television, the radio, and other distracting noise — to restore your focus to Me.

Lord, help us to train our minds to think on You when we’re in the middle of our day, bored, or sad, busy, or mired in trouble. Help us to remember to be quiet and just enjoy Your presence. We want more of You, so please teach our hearts to find our joy in focusing on you!