Refocus, Refresh & Realign With Jesus

A new day has dawned with the gift of a beautiful, crisp autumn morning. The breeze is quietly blowing through my open window as I snugly nestle into my well-used, favorite spot for devotions. Ribbons of steam gently rise from the brim of my hot coffee mug, filled to the top with delicious pumpkin spice mocha. October has arrived! As a matter of fact, it is already half way over. Can you believe it? How fast time flies!

I am enjoying this autumn morning with a purposed prayer time. My bible open, my heart attuned to hear His voice.

As I settle in to spend time with the Lord, the moment before me feels sweet and picture perfect. It is cozy, quaint and delightful. However, I remind myself there is never going to be perfection this side of heaven.That thought is immediately affirmed as I think of my waiting to-do list. So, I sigh away the distractions clashing with my desire to refocus.

Inhale. I take a slow, deep breath in. The air smells like cinnamon and feels so fresh, so clean. Exhale. I slowly breathe out and simultaneously let go of the barrage of thoughts that have been knocking loudly on my mind’s door.

I quiet myself to hear God’s voice.

It’s time to refocus, refresh and realign with Jesus. 

I feel a calling in my spirit to do this every autumn. It is a time of year where the busy summer days slow down and the daylight disappears a little faster over the horizon each night. It is a celebratory season of gathering, remembering, planning and serving. I don’t want to miss a thing! I don’t want to miss any part of what God has for me or jump ahead in my own plans and not seek His direction.

I feel led to settle, sit, listen.

Will you join me?

Refocus

My first thought to myself as I quietly sit and pray is, “Look at Jesus.” “Meet His gaze.” The song comes to mind, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.” (Hymn written by Helen Howarth). 

When my eyes meet the eyes of Jesus, all else fades away. When I catch His gaze, I can also hear His heart and receive His direction. Refocusing on Jesus is something I try to do several times a day. It is ideal to never take our focus off of Him. Yet, life has a way of pulling at us from every direction.

Refocusing brings peace, order, purpose and holy anticipation for the days ahead. 

Refocus with me, friends. What is He saying to you?

Refresh

After I have refocused, I automatically feel a refreshment. I feel a release of the stress, a surrender to God’s bigger picture and a strength to forge ahead. Spending time with God always brings refreshment. 

If refreshment is what you need, run to the Father. Refocus your heart with His and He will lead you into a quiet refreshment that brings contentment and joy to your soul.

Refreshment is so important to attain before the beginning of the busy holiday season. Running on empty is something we commonly do. However, God encourages us to come to Him and allow His sweet refreshment to revive our body, mind and soul.

Realign

Once I have refocused on Jesus (choosing to keep my eyes on Him instead of the storm), I feel His refreshment wash over me. As this wave of glorious refreshment crests, I realign all my thoughts, hopes, dreams and choices with His perfect will.

Much like when our bodies are out of alignment, we feel the aches and pains of disorder. When the chiropractor adjusts a patient, there is relief felt again as the body is put back into its purposed design.

It can be the same concept when we put our wants and desires ahead of God, or choose our own way instead of the way He has purposed. Realignment can consist of repentance, surrender, seeking and speaking His truth – or all of the above.

Meditate on God’s sovereign word and hold fast to His holy teachings. Seek Him and His will, realigning yourself within His purpose for you. Choosing to serve, honor and obey the Lord above all else will put your life back into alignment, bringing peace to your situation and contentment to your heart. 

Amen?

As we enter the last months of the year, let’s choose to refocus, be refreshed and find realignment with Jesus!

May you hear His voice calling you and respond with all your heart!

Be blessed friends! 

~ Stephanie