Living on a peninsula, my wife and I enjoy the easy opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. Though we would be considered fair-weather paddlers, being on the water is very relaxing. Still, we must be mindful of currents and tidal activity. When paddling from one point to another, if due attention is not given, it can be easy to begin being drawn out further than intended. Therefore, when heading for a given destination, it is important to fix the focus not to the sides (though I love looking around and taking pictures while paddling) but straight ahead toward the goal to keep from doing needless and sometimes laborious paddling to get back on course.
Drawing from another verse from Psalm 119, we read. . .
“(15) I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. (16) I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.” (Psalm 119:15-16 ESV)
While continuing on life’s journey it is important to keep our focus fixed on God’s ways in order to keep moving in His direction. Again and again, the nation of Israel was cautioned against turning to the right or the left, but to be careful to do as God had commanded. (i.e. Deuteronomy 5:32; 17:11 & 20; 28:14; Joshua 1:7) The focus was to remain fixed on God’s commands and ways and so not be drawn away from Him and into idolatry.
With varying currents of thought and waves of ideologies (i.e. Ephesians 4:14) around us, we also must keep our focus fixed on the ways and will of God! As we press on in life, let us continue “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2), as we journey on toward the eternal destiny He went to prepare for us. Let us guard against being drawn off course (i.e. 2 Timothy 4:4) by fixing our eyes on the truth in Him. (John 14:6; 18:37; Ephesians 4:21) Fixing our focus there will keep us moving His direction to safely navigate through life to the Heavenly port ahead! May we therefore keep God’s Word as the focal point for living!
Have a great day MAINTAINING OUR HEADING TOWARD HEAVEN!
Carl
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(“teEn-MAIL” is sent out daily by Carl Hanson, preacher for the Church of Christ in Port Townsend, Washington, USA, located at 230 A Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Come visit us if in the area. www.porttownsendchurchofchrist.org)
