Colossians 3:1-2 - Focus Where Christ Is
Step 1: Pray. Select.
Today was a challenge to get some quiet time in my prayer space. I was hit with distraction after distraction and knew the enemy was trying to steal my peace this morning. The good news is, I have finally come to a point to recognize these things, so instead of taking away my prayer time being consumed with the distractions, I stayed quiet to ensure no additional energy would be spent on the things which were not intended for me by the LORD, but were rather trying to separate me from my time with the Holy Spirit. So as soon as the noise calmed down a bit, I rushed into my quiet area to sit down and spend time in the word.
I thought about the level of patience it requires to be disciplined to push aside the distractions of the world and get to where I am right now, writing this praying and writing this blog. I searched for scriptures pertaining to the process of surrender since this is something we need to practice daily, and frankly on mornings like this doesn’t come easy.
As I read through the scripture options that pertained to surrendering in the midst of unwelcomed distractions, one that clearly stood out was Colossians 3: 1-2. This is where I began my journey, friends, so I moved on to STEP 2.
Step 2: Write. Read. Circle
After reading the scripture three times, the following words stood out amongst the others:
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above,
where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
Step 3: Re-Write
With a focus on the words I circled that stood out, here are the personalized sentence(s) that came alive in my heart.
Jennifer, seek those things where Christ is, not on things on the earth.
If you are doing this alongside me today, add your name in front of your unique sentence so the Lord can speak directly to you.
Step 4: Visualize
As I begin to meditate on my sentence of the day from the Holy Spirit, I immediately feel secure about my decision to surrender and spend time with the LORD, even if I had to fight tooth and nail with every distraction to get here. When I sat down, I wondered what might come next. But to my surprise, nothing came.
I am starting to realize that if the enemy can cause my mind to say things like, “If I get hit with one more thing,” then I am already opening myself up for defeat. Instead of making unhelpful comments in my situation today, the LORD is telling me that if I focus on the things above, the things where Christ is present in all conditions, He will handle the rest. Right now, I am choosing him. And the Holy Spirit is not going to disappoint!
I am choosing to rise above all the things on Earth, and focus on the promise that he is the ultimate provider of my day. He will provide patience, understanding, peace, clarity, financial provision, love, friendship, grace, and the list goes on. He has more than enough and is distributing just enough to cover my needs, which he has already taken into account. He already saw all the distractions coming my way before they hit me on Earth. So, why focus on them when I can focus on the solution he has already prepared for me to handle each and everything that comes my way?
The Holy Spirit is particular about bringing the word ‘speculation’ to the top of mind. He wants me to quell any anxious thoughts about the state of what “might” come to pass. Speculation is dangerous because it can cause us to distrust the Lord in all things. Speculation is a small doorway that you kick down, opening doors that were not opened by the LORD for you to walk through. It is an interesting trick because, from an earthly perspective, it looks like a way to protect you. Fighting to move forward on what you think you might need. However, it is not accurate because the LORD will protect you and has already set aside grace for everything you need.
The Holy Spirit tells me to be reminded of the daily bread. His grace is sufficient to handle your daily bread. But if you open the door to speculation, there is no telling where the mind will take you. And that is a perilous path.
Focus on the clarity of the LORD and the things above the Earth. Know that Christ Jesus always had a plan for you. And through his testimony, he will guide you home. Stand on the rock and the truth, and know God is in control of all things. Let Him speak to any mountains to move if they stand in the way of his purpose for you.
I have a question in my mind, so I proceed to Step 5.
Step 5: Ask. Seek
The requests/questions that came to mind are:
Holy Spirit, how do I quell the rapid fire of thoughts that fill my mind, causing me to doubt the day ahead?
Step 6: Hear. Write. Receive
Here is the answer I received:
”You must have faith. Have faith your Father knows what is best for you. Have faith that he has a plan. Have faith, he has already gone before you and provided for everything you will need on this day. If you don’t have faith, you only have fear, which kills your peace and your joy. Today is a gift. It is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Start enjoying your life. Even if it is not what you expected. Enjoy the fact that the Father prepared you for a time such as this. Love greatly throughout your day, so at least when you lie your head down at night, you can know your Father will be well pleased, saying - well done, good and faithful servant. Good and Faithful. Focus on being good and faithful, which is the way of my son Jesus. Focus on the things above, as I say in my words. Focus on the things where Christ is. This is the place where your mind is not afraid, but very strong and courageous because you know I am right beside you. Let me help carry your yolk. You are not alone. I am with you. So let the enemy try to take you from me, and this day, he cannot if you stand on my word and my promises. Cast every thought that exalts itself against the Most High into the pit of Hell, where it belongs. It has no power here. Pick up your cross and follow me in each moment, and I will open up the windows of Heaven and pour out blessings you won’t even have enough room to receive. Do not be distracted by the world; surrender to the process of chasing and seeking relentlessly after me. In that state of mind, you will be more than a conqueror. You will be victorious and a light in a dark place. Look above and focus on Christ. He is at the right hand of the throne, next to me. Close. Stay there. There is nothing new under the sun that I have not prepared for you to handle the day’s trouble. Go forward in faith, comfort, and love. I will fight your battles.”
Step 7: Pray. Confirm
Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus.
Thank you so much for reminding me to focus on the things above, where Christ is next to you.
If you, Lord, are for me, then who can be against me? Let me be faith-driven and not fear-driven. Let me take every thought captive and cast down any thought that exalts itself against you today.
Let this day be a day of victory! And let the peace, love, and joy overwhelm me today, so I will have more than enough to flow down to others.
In Jesus' mighty name, I pray and seal this prayer with the blood of Jesus - Amen.
Step 8: Share. Testify
If you used the 8-Step Prayer Practice today, we would love to hear how God works in your life! You can comment below or share your miracle or testimony HERE.
Conclusion:
Friends, focus on where Christ is!
The LORD has a plan for any and everything you will encounter today and for the remaining days of your life.
Let’s let the love and peace of Jesus wash over us in all situations so we can remain in alignment with the life, teachings, and testimony of Christ.
Let’s take a moment to be thankful and focus on the fact that whatever we face in our day, there is already a plan to overcome and be victorious, rather than focus on the things going on on the Earth.
God bless you. See you soon!
