Matthew 6:33 – But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (NIV)

Colossians 3:2 – Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (NIV)

When I am kayaking out on the ocean, sometimes it is glassy calm. At other times, there are waves — lots and lots of waves. When I'm paddling with the wind, I find it exhilarating to surf the big waves, taking advantage of their power. But after a large boat has gone by, there are waves coming from all directions, particularly if I am following the coastline, because then, the waves that have just passed by begin to bounce back from the rocky shore and come right back at me at a different angle. When I was first learning to kayak, I would feel panicky at those times, because I wouldn't know which waves I should be paddling with so that I wouldn't tip over. It was very nerve-wracking for me. Now that I have been kayaking for a longer period of time, I'm more experienced, and I can focus on going straight in one direction. I work hard at ignoring all the other waves coming in, across, or behind me from all directions. If I focus straight ahead, I will succeed and not tip nor go in a direction that I don't want to go.

When I'm among those cross-waves, I am always reminded of God, because our lives are much like that. The enemy's arrows are coming at us from all directions: peer pressure, busy lives, accidents, poor time management, illness, gossip, judgment of others, dishonesty, unfaithfulness … the list goes on and on. But if we try to focus on God, He will provide a way out for us. He will guide us and lead us in directions that are pleasing to Him, and we will be leading happier lives, knowing that we are doing what God wants us to do.

So let's focus our eyes on God at all times. He hasn't steered us in the wrong direction, and He never will!

Prayer: Our dear heavenly Father, thank You for Your unconditional love for us. Thank You that You love us no matter what we say or do. Help us to focus only on You, so that we are living, breathing, and working only for You. We know that this might seem impossible to accomplish, but help us, O Lord, to look straight at You and not to become confused by worldly influences. Thank You for Your great love for us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Karen Knuff <knuff.karen@gmail.com>
Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada
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