Ask yourself . . . Why might realization be important in finding peace in your life?

Pause and think for a moment . . . Do you want to have a better understanding of “you”? . . . Why, or why not?

Realization is an act of becoming fully aware of something as a fact, as the truth, as reality. It is an awakening that involves understanding, recognition, comprehension, awareness, insight, discernment, and even apprehension of grasping the truth.

“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy,
your whole body will be full of light.  But if your eyes are unhealthy, 
your whole body will be full of darkness” ~ Matthew 6:22-23a

Distractions, including negativity, come in all shapes, sizes, small, large, prominent, or hiding in the shadows. There will always be something to distract you if you allow it.

Sometimes improving your “focus” may be deciding what you are not going to do, or what you are not going to let interfere with living.

Talk with God . . .

PAUSE . . . Ask God to show you, “What is the biggest distractor in my life?”

God will bring an image to your mind . . . it may not be what you want or what you thought was “bothering” you, but remember, God knows you better than you know yourself.

Is hurt or anger holding you back from making forward progress?

Or . . . are you stuck? Are you holding onto someone else’s grudges or distractions, so it makes it impossible to move on?

“Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes”
~ Psalm 13:3a

Rethink & Consider . . .

Write down the “negativity” that is disturbing your peace, distracting you from calm . . . put it on paper and get it out of your head . . . set it aside, tear it up, throw it away . . . you may have to do this over and over . . . but that is ok. Then give it to God . . . just give it to God and let Him help.

Romans 6:16a states, “Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey?”

Remember it is vitally important to be honest with yourself, and honest with God. Only then can you move toward the peace and serenity you seek.

Imagine . . .

Imagine looking at yourself in a mirror . . . really look beyond the surface, into your eyes, and deeper into your heart. Be candid with yourself.

What is your focus right now?

Are you hiding behind a wall of “I’m too busy”?

What is leading, or taking over, your life?

There is an older Michael Jackson song called “Man in the Mirror.” The chorus advises;

I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could've been any clearer
If they wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change

Take an honest look at yourself and your life in the mirror . . . God will help. God wants to help.

Reflect & Pray . . .

Everyone has a hurt in his or her life—anger, sorrow, chaos, pain—a struggle that seems to have no relief or end in sight. You may never be aware of other’s hurts; they may never be aware of yours, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. It doesn’t matter how big or small, it is still a thorn in your side, it still distracts you from a positive foundation and a productive focus.

“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.” ~ John 16:33

If you focus only on the hurt, you will continue to suffer . . . if you focus on the lessons that God provides, you will continue to grow . . . yes, you can grow and move forward through the chaos, pain, suffering, and hurt.

Prayerfully ask God to help you to see “you” through His eyes, and to help you take the first . . . second . . . third steps forward toward peace.

Look Ahead/In the Moment/Today/Tomorrow . . .

Sometimes we don’t know the “Why?” of a situation . . . we may never know, but God knows and He is there, so let Him help you.

Tony Evans writes, “Sometimes God lets you be in a situation that only He can fix so that you can see that He is the One who fixes it. Rest.
He's got it.”

Hold onto this image . . .

As you move into the next moment, the next day, and beyond . . .  think about a light bulb with a chain. Pull it, turn the light on, move out of the darkness and see yourself and the world in a new light . . . or you could choose to stay in the darkness . . . what do you want to do?

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, 
patient in affliction, faithful in prayer”
~ Romans 12:11-13

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A Focus for Walking the Labyrinth . . .

A labyrinth is an ancient symbol of wholeness. The imagery of the circle and spiral combine into a meandering but purposeful journey. The labyrinth represents a journey or path to your own center and back again out into the world. Labyrinths have long been used as meditation and prayer tools.

The labyrinth experience unfolds in three stages . . .
Releasing—on the journey into the center—to let go of all distractions that keep one from listening to God.
Receiving—resting in the center of the labyrinth—to find a place for meditation and prayer in which one receives what God has for you.
Returning—on the journey out of the labyrinth—to join with God more fully and integrate this experience of God into your life.

Don’t be afraid to step into time with God . . . it starts with one step, and then another, then the next, and the next. God’s waiting without expectations . . . just with open arms.

BELIEVE IN GOD ~ FOLLOW CHRIST ~ LISTEN TO THE HOLY SPIRIT