As I was journaling this morning I was asking Jesus about my personal struggle staying focused on Him throughout my day. It is so easy to get sidetracked as the day moves on. When I asked Him what He wanted me to know from Him for today, His response was immediate. He simply stated in my mind that I have no problem doing for Him what I know I’m to do. However, when it comes to times when I’m free from commitment, I quickly want to resort to selfish desires. It is then that I need to apply the simple question: Does this selfish desire honor Jesus? Taking a nap doesn’t dishonor, but there are other desires that do.

When I wrote in my journal what I’d heard God’s Spirit say to me I instantly thought–wow, how simple this step is. However, applying it is never that simple. My (our) selfish desires want to rule every time. It is easy to give this advice to someone who is asking for help, but to live it out oneself is the same struggle the one seeking help is needing. Reaching out to someone I trust is my best source of Godly help. James 5:16 (which I quote rather often) tells us to “confess one to another” and you will be healed.

Taking one’s struggle and putting it into the hands/heart of a trusted friend is an act of obedience that does help. Knowing a prayer warrior has now joined me brings a smile to my face.