Fix our eyes on Jesus--is this a practical prayer?

With so many details to keep up with, with so much to think through, how can we possibly fix our eyes—our mind—on Jesus? Perhaps the better question is, Is our mind fixed—or is it often fluid, scattered, unfocused, distracted, drifting? So full we can’t concentrate? Overloaded with things to do? Too many details to remember? Plans to make? Worries? Anxious thoughts?

How do you set your thoughts on Jesus in the midst of so much pressure and responsibility? Begin your days with worship. Even a brief prayer, early in the day, that worships Christ specifically by His names and attributes will help set your mind toward Him. Then, as you move through your day, when you find yourself thinking of all that you have to do and the consequences of not getting it done, fix your mind, set your thoughts on Jesus.

Focus on Jesus as your Shepherd who promises you will not want. Remind yourself that He will give you rest, renewal, protection. (Psalm 23). He promises to lead you, so talk to Him about your schedule, ask Him what to do next. Ask Him to anoint your conversations and give you wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24). Acknowledge that He is your Wonderful Counselor and your Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Thank Him for His faithfulness (1 Corinthians 1:9).

We can’t hold two thoughts at once. Isn’t it better to focus on Jesus during those times when our minds have a tendency to drift—and worry?

Why should we pray that we’ll seek the Lord?

We should be eager to pray this verse because it’s part of a powerful promise: “…those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.” (Psalm 34:10) Wouldn’t you like assurance that you, your family, your ministry will have that all you need?

But how do we seek the Lord in the midst of today’s busyness and pressure? Perhaps the better question is: With a promise like this, how can we afford not to seek Him no matter how busy we are? We must seek Him in the midst of life as it is.

We must be consistently in the Word and prayer, but we don’t have to spend a long time every day. If our hearts are right with God, and we are honestly seeking to know Him, He will honor even ten minutes a day spent seeking Him. If that’s not how we’re living now, shouldn’t we challenge ourselves to make seeking Him our priority? What have we got to lose?