I Found My Focus

Years ago I sat at the kitchen table and read Hannah's words to God: "There is no one besides you" (1 Samuel 2:2).

I said aloud, "Hannah, you know something I don't." I wondered what it would mean for me to be able to say, "There is no one but You, God."

Challenged by Hannah, I titled a page in my notebook "One Goal" and began collecting names of those who appeared to have one focus for all of their lives.

David said, "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life."

Paul said, "This one thing I do."

Jesus told Martha, "Only one thing is needed."

Then I found Paul's words to the Corinthians, "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." I realized that to do all for the glory of God meant that at any moment I could lift whatever I was doing and say, "I am doing this for You, Jesus."

It also meant that all my attitudes must be determined by what would please Him. Paul's words, "I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:2), became very practical. My focus was to be on Jesus. What was He thinking about my actions and attitudes? I resolved to care only that He was pleased.

Dear God, thank You that you help us learn to say with Hannah, "There is no one but You, God." If we have Your approval, we have all that matters.
 
"I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven" (Philippians 2:13, 14 NLT).