I used to be such a focused person, but menopause has totally changed that – I can’t seem to focus on anything! Plus, don’t get me started on all the brain fog which makes it worse. Like most of us, I have so many things I want to do with very few hours in my day. So, my days can be very frustrating when I can’t focus on what’s in front of me.
In order to improve my focus and make the most of my time, I’m trying to be more present while doing each of my daily activities. I want to give my full attention to each thing I attempt to do including my quiet time with God. More times than I care to express, my time with the Lord gets little attention or becomes just another thing to check off my daily to do list. I feel like I’m not always fully focused on Him, and I certainly don’t want my relationship with God to be that way!
Some months ago, I saw a post on social media from a Christian writer that talked about her “preparation” for quiet time everyday. It included a set of Bible verses that prepared her heart for this time with God. I decided to try this myself as a way to focus my thoughts and be fully present during my time with God.
My verses are not the same ones she used. Ironically, I had found a verse that spoke to me through a Bible study I was doing at about the same time. This led to finding a couple of other verses that now have made up my quiet time preparation.
Now, I do not always go through these verses when I begin my quiet time. It is certainly not something I require myself to do. I may use them less or change my verses over time. I also would never suggest this is something that has to be done by anyone seeking the Lord either! With Christ, we have full access to God at any time to share directly and immediately what’s on our hearts!
This is just something I’m doing that helps center me when I’m not as fully engaged as I should be, and I wanted to share it with you today.
I lean heavily on the footnotes that go along with these verses. So, the summaries below are from my NIV Bible.
Psalm 43:3 – I start first with this verse. It helps me prepare to meet God. It lets me know that “God’s truth provides the right path to follow, and God’s light provides clear vision to follow it.” God will help me focus on what He wants me to do.
1 John 2:17 – The verses previous to this one are addressing false teachers and those who deny Christ. I love that this verse reminds me that I’m anointed by the Holy Spirit. Christ living in me will guide me and teach me His truth during this time together. The footnotes state that we have a “personal, life-giving relationship” with Christ – love this!
1 John 1:5 – Finally, this verse reminds me that “He alone can guide us out of the darkness of sin.” I confess any sins, ask for forgiveness, and then bask in the freedom from sin that only Christ can provide.
All of these verses also remind me heavily to cling to God’s Word and truth. In today’s world of so much information and misinformation, I know I can trust His truth alone when I feel confused, lonely, or afraid.