Read: Psalm 40:1-17
Since the beginning of the year I have been working out six days a week. My overall goal is to lose 52 pounds. I have set smaller goals that are more quickly attainable to keep my momentum. But, honestly, working out is terrible. Exercise is sweaty and it hurts. It is painful and hard to endure. However, when I see results like losing 24 pounds in the first three months and having two friends consistently join me in my endeavor, it makes it worth it. I have forgotten how hard the workouts are and have become completely focused on my results.
Aren’t our lives just like that? When something isn’t going our way or life really hands us a bad day, week or year, we tend to focus on how painful and hard it is to endure instead of focusing on Jesus.
Psalm 40:3 says, “He put a new song in my mouth; a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.”
Sometimes the painful situations can bring the most rewarding conclusions. When we keep our eyes, minds and hearts focused on Jesus, many will see and make our momentary discomfort well worth it. It is physically and emotionally impossible to praise and complain at the same time. So don’t worry, just worship. Soon your focus will move from just enduring it to just exalting Him.
Reflect:
- What situation are you enduring right now? Practice switching your focus to praising Jesus each time you find yourself focusing on your pain.
- What hard times have you endured in the past? Did you keep your focus on Jesus or complain through it? What rewards did you see?
