What's the Focus of Your Eye? by Ann Stewart

I awoke the other day with a start and heard the words: "Look not to the right, nor to the left." I saw myself with blinds on either side of my eyes, like a horse that is being directed by its rider. Pondering as to what exactly the Lord was trying to convey to me, I was directed to: "The light of the body is the eye; if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light." (Mat. 6: 22) Jesus had just taught his disciples how to pray, and was now elaborating on the importance of forgiveness and prayer being your private conversation with God. He explained that the Father sees the secret desires of your heart and will reward you openly. If your focus is on worldly treasures, like men's approval or physical possessions, you may risk living in fear of losing them all. However, if God is your main focus, and you live your life to please Him, then you'll be laying up treasures in heaven. In other words, your reward will be coming from God, who wants to be your sole Provider! If you treasure what God has in store for your life, then your whole heart will be dedicated to doing His Will! (Mat. 6: 9-21) Furthermore, God promises: "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." (Ps. 32: 8) That's a beautiful description of a caring God! As you endeavor each day to put on your 'blinds' so as not to be lured to the right or the left, you can rest assured that His eyes are on you! A horse, although it can see frontward, needs to be led by a bridle. God is not pulling on any reins! One quick glance at a parent's face will reveal instant approval or displeasure to a child. So it is with your Father. The minute you find yourself doubting or doing things in your own strength, you know when you have displeased Him. But God has a solution! He is patient and quick to forgive your acts of disobedience. "Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy." (Ps. 33: 18) Your heavenly Father gives food for the birds and water for vegetation. No amount of worry and trying to do things your own way will improve your life. By seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness everything you need will be provided! (Mat. 6: 25-34) If Jesus Christ is Lord in your life, then you no longer need to act and worry as before your acknowledgement that He is the Way! His last words on the cross were: "It is finished." That means that He has not only redeemed you from sin, but has provided everything you will need to walk out His purpose for your life! Remember when you entrusted your whole life to Him? He is still the Faithful One. "No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly" (Ps. 84: 11) Therefore: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Prov. 3: 5-6) Take one precious little step at a time. He will give you fresh revelation every day. "Take therefore no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." (Mat. 6: 34) The more you learn to trust in His guidance, the greater God's Love will shine out from you! He is the Light of the World! The radiance that will emanate from you, despite adverse circumstances you may be experiencing, will draw others to you! (Mat. 6: 22) "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him; fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass." Only "Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." (Ps. 37: 7,3,4)





About the Author
Ann Stewart is author of With Wings As Eagles, an inspiring story of unwavering faith in God's Word and answered prayer: http://www.lifealteringwords.com/with-wings-as-eagles Looking for affirmation, encouragement and inspiration? The welcome door is wide open at Embracing All the Promises of God: http://www.lifealteringwords.com