Focusing On God?

[Eagle_Wings]

Okay, I gotta question. I've got a friend that I've spent some time talking to and it seems like our discussions always boil down to focusing on and trusting God. I explain it the very best that I can, but there seems to be something that I'm just not getting across, so it got me to wondering how others would explain it.

How do you continually keep your focus on God? What do you do to get to know Him better? Now we all know that the Christian journey is not a walk in the park by any means, so how do you deal with the valleys where it just seems like everytime you turn around something's going wrong, or you hear complete silence and feel like God's not answering you?

(BTW~ if this is in the wrong area I apologize, just seems like this would be a place where I could get some meaningful answers)

 

[HoT-MetaL]

Romans 10:17
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Phillipians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.


I would suggest that it comes through reading the Bible at a much more personal level, rather than 'intellectual/theological' level. Does that make sense?

I suppose the more 'spiritual input' that goes into your life, the more comes out...

God Bless, metal.

 

[LegomasterJC]

I don't do this as a practice every time I feel I'm loosing focus but I have fasted (food, computer, movies... whatever) I am however done with my fasting and am hungry... I'm going to search for some food soon. Just not eating for a day isn't enough though... You have to change your mindset and focus on God. Pray, read the word, worship... but the key is doing these things when God moves you to do them, not trying to do them out of your own flesh.

 

[Apples of Gold]

I completely understand what you're saying and even asking.... although, I don't think I have words to answer your questions....... here's some scriptures that I looked up I hope this helps!

Romans 15:4
Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. They give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises.

Revelation 14:12
Let this encourage God's holy people to endure persecution patiently and remain firm to the end, obeying his commands and trusting in Jesus."

Acts 14:22
where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that they must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations.

John 16:33
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

1 Peter 1:6
So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while.

Peter 4:13
Instead, be very glad--because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is displayed to all the world.

God bless!

 

[NJA]

you need to *know* his will for you, otherwise you are blown around by circumstances and thoughts.

Here's an A to Z of what a true christian is:-
I AM
Able Blessed Chosen Delivered
Empowered Free God's Heavenly
Incvincible Justified Knowing Loved
Mighty Not guilty Overcoming Patient
Quickened Resting Saved Trusting
Understanding Victorious Waiting
X-cited Yoked Zealous


This is not wishful thinking, this is what we are as we agree with God

2Corinthians 5:17: Therefore if any man be in Christ,
he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold,
all things are become new.

 

[repentandbelieve]

A focus is maintained by avoiding distractions, and in this age of the world there is an unprecedented rage for entertainment. There is an endless variety of entertainments that lead to a love of the world; and through this union with the world, our focus on God is weakened. Those who learn to love pleasure for its own sake open the door to a flood of temptations.

The youth in particular are swept away by the popular current. They are led on from one form of distraction to another, until they lose both the desire and the capacity for a life of usefulness. Their religious aspirations are chilled; their spiritual life is darkened. All the nobler faculties of the soul, all that link man with the spiritual world, are debased.

Satan is in every sense of the word a deceiver, a skillful charmer. He has many finely woven nets, which appear innocent, but which are skillfully prepared to entangle those who are unaware.

Many of these forms of amusement are a reproach to the religion of Christ, and he who is "focusing on God" cannot in heart participate in them.