Christian Life

“How Can I Keep My Goals and Stay Focused on Jesus?”

Every week, I go through the “Girl Talk” section of Project Inspired and look for those seeking advice and counsel. I want to help answer some questions you may have about living out your Christian life and walk of faith! We want PI to be a safe place where you can ask questions.

A PI girl recently asked about how to stay focused, because she feels like every time she WANTS to get closer to the Lord, something distracts her:

“I say I am going to devote myself to Christ, and to follow in his steps, but one moment I am really motivated and happy with what I’ve accomplished in following the Lord, and then all of a sudden it seems that everything just stops. I say I will read the Bible, and then let’s say I’m watching a really good show at the moment, I push aside learning more about Christ to watch the stupid show. I feel lazy…I do the same thing with all my dreams that I am set on. I seem to fade away, and feel completely lost…” (Join the conversation here at the Girl Talk forums.)

Let’s swim toward the goal and not get swept backwards down the stream of complacency. This will be a challenge but remember, with prayer and God’s Word, you “…can do ALL things through Christ.” (Philippians 4:13)

It is easy to make a goal, but difficult to keep it. Staying focused is harder than initiating focus. The majority of people start off the New Year with goals in mind and want to evaluate, analyze and re-prioritize their life. The act of creating goals and actually deciding you WANT to change is great, but living out your goals and fixing your eyes on the end prize is only done through the Lord by focusing on Jesus and living out your purpose and destiny.

Here are some key scriptures to encourage you and to remind you to keep your eyes on things that are honoring to God, and to fix our eyes not on the earthly, but what will reap eternally.

5 Scriptures to Help You Focus on Jesus

1. Run your race…don’t give up:

Hebrews 12:1-3: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” 

2. Hold on…God is faithful: 

Hebrews 10:23  “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”

3. 
Put God FIRST…and everything will work out in its right place: 

Matthew 6:33 – But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

4. Set your focus toward heaven, guard your heart: 

Colossians 3:2 – “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

5. Have a Godly mindset…when your mind is right, your life will be also:

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

PI girls, I hope this helps you and encourages you! If you need extra help or another reminder, you may want to print these scriptures and tape them to your binder, your dresser, mirrors or near your nightstand. I love you girls! Please comment below for prayer! 

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Image: iStockphoto | ThinkStock + Project Inspired