Faith Focus: We need Him in all things

This certainly is a challenging time that we are in.

No one would disagree with that. We may find ourselves consumed with worry, fear, anxiety or hopelessness. We may be filled with thoughts about how things used to be or about what could/might happen. This is not unusual during times of struggle however it is so important to keep ourselves grounded and to keep our eyes and thoughts on Jesus.

Every minute spent worrying is a minute that we have not given to Jesus. Every minute that is consumed with thoughts of dread or fear distracts us from the promise God has made us. He has promised He is always with us and He has us by His right hand. He promises us He will never abandon or forsake us. He tells us to be anxious about nothing. How much do we believe this? The answer to that question may lie in where our thoughts are and where our actions are throughout the day.

As we journey together toward holiness and advance in perfection (spiritual union with God), we must continually pray for the grace to free our hearts of all earthly attachments. We must desire to abandon more and more things in our daily lives so as to draw closer to God and in that closeness to experience the gift of His peace, love, joy, generosity, kindness, etc.

We must become poor in spirit. Being poor in spirit does not mean having nothing. It simply means being free from earthly attachments that distract us from God. Being poor in spirit means we want nothing to do with what leads us to sin. Moreover, we want God's friendship so much that we strive to eliminate as much competition as possible with Him, including our fears, worries and anxiety.

In this eagerness we come closer to God; we turn our backs on as many things as we can because we know by doing so we will be able to think more easily of God, to speak more often with God and to please God more perfectly. With that desire, we must always recognize we cannot do this without His grace. We need Him in all things.

Let us pray: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God." These are your words, dear Jesus. Help us to tire of living with attachment to things of the earth that have nothing to do with our Eternal life with You. Beginning today, Lord, we ask that you would give us the strength to have fewer things in our daily lives so we may have less to draw our attention away from You who give us life. In the holy name of Jesus, Amen.

May God bless you and may Jesus Christ be praised.