Day 7 - Inward Focus, God are You There?

Updated: Jan 13

Questions, questions... God, are you there?

As humans, we are prone to question things. Our nature prompts us to wonder why. From the time we were little, we asked why repeatedly. Questioning is one of a child's primary means to communicate. We may ask fewer questions as we age, but the urge to understand and know is ever present, so we still question.

Unfortunately, questions are not always appropriate. For example, questioning someone's motive may lead us to wrong and judgmental assumptions. We can even ask someone else's thoughts to avoid looking at the truth of our motives, ideas, and actions.

God asks us to look inward and to be concerned first with ourselves. What are we doing and thinking? It is only ourselves that we should focus on and question. Leave the reflection on others to him. He knows the truths in their entirety. We will never know what he knows of another's heart and mind. Trust that all will be as it should be or will be.

Instead, strengthen your focus on God and you. On your relationship. This is a big job for most people and more than enough to occupy your attention in the best possible manner. This focus invites a journey to begin that can lead to a relationship with our Lord that is so much more than you expected. Understanding yourself is a path to seeing God in you. You are a miraculous person who is much more than you know today. Open yourself to see, really see what a wonder you are.

Prayer:

Magnificent King of all seen and unseen, today I offer myself, my whole self, the parts I love and those I would prefer not to see. I present myself with the humility of knowing that there are rough edges within me that I need your help to smooth. I also know that I don't recognize every layer of myself. You can help me learn more about myself. These layers, composed of good and evil, are my true self. My true feelings and owning them are critical to growth in your tremendous love.

Your love for me surpasses my understanding, yet I know your love can help me unfold my truth and recognize your love more each day.

The truth is that I am good and loved and that you need and want me to fulfill my destiny. Help me use this growth to enrich your kingdom and all within my life. Help me unfold my promise and help others realize their promise through my journey. I will listen carefully to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit as he guides me through my introspection and life. Heavenly Father, accept my prayer for growth in the name of your son, my Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.