Do you think we can flourish when faced with uncertainty? It is possible. Although, it may not feel like we thrive every second as we muddle through our unwanted circumstances. Persevering well becomes a possibility when we choose where to focus. Do you want to know how to thrive in the midst of the unexpected?
What Does Thriving Look Like in the Unexpected?
Our thriving can look different for all of us. Don't waste your time comparing yourself to others. It is between you and God! We all can flourish in our own way. #embracingtheunexpected Share on XPerhaps, a few of these ideas might indicate you are thriving:
- Experiencing joy in the moment
- Not living in fear of the unknown
- A sense of peace
- Growing closer in relationships
- Learning something new
- Not wasting the pain
- Helping others
What examples do you have that indicate you are thriving through your circumstances?
So, if we know what we are looking for, how on earth do we accomplish it?
How to Thrive in the Midst of the Unexpected
I believe we all can thrive in the midst of the unexpected. However, doing so will depend on where we put our focus. Where is your focus?
What are you staring at – is it your circumstances and challenges? How about your thoughts? Are they consumed with what is wrong in your life or the world?
It is hard not to focus our thoughts on the challenges of life. Of course, the answer is not solely ignoring whatever is going on in life. But beware, our primary focus can not be on our troubles. This thought process will indeed swallow us up and fill us with fear and worry.
We must choose to replace the focus with something else, and I can’t think of anything better than turning our attention to God.
Focus on God
Focusing on God has been the answer to thriving in the midst of the unexpected for me, and I hope it will be for you too. We can’t allow the world to sweep us into chaos. We must fix our eyes on the Lord!
When we focus on God, it helps us to not only embrace the unexpected but to thrive. #embracingtheunexpected Share on X“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
Colossians 3:2
Ideas on How to Focus on God
Be Present with God
Are you spending time with God? Let this time be more than asking for your needs to be met. Listen to His questions and ask your questions. After all, inquiry brings about intimacy with others, so why would it be different with God? Jesus was famous for asking questions. But don’t forget to listen to God’s voice.
“Be still, and know that I am God!” Psalm 46:10
Practice Gratitude
What has God already given you? When we turn our thoughts towards gratitude, we begin to think less of our circumstances and more of our blessings. Plus, it reminds us how much God cares.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Be still, and know that I am God!” Psalm 46:10
Think About What Matters to God
Are you focused on what matters most to God or your plan? Honestly, this is my downfall and where I quickly go awry. I assume when something is related to God, it must be what matters most. Do you ever do this? However, time and time again, God shows me I have missed the mark.
Jesus loved people individually and personally, and he commanded us to love one another.
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:12-13
Jesus was always taking time to connect with one person at a time. Over and over again, he shows us “people matter.” Let’s speak of God’s love for one another. After all, it is what Jesus would do.
Let Go of the Distractions
Think for a moment, what keeps you from a focus on God? Can you eliminate some of those diversions? After all, Jesus didn’t let the distractions get in the way of Him spending time with His Father. Will you?
Throughout scripture, we see God getting away to a quiet place to commune with God.
“But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.” Luke 5:16
Prepare Your Heart
And there is no better week than this one – Holy Week to turn our focus towards God. Can you believe each and everyone one of us is worth the pain Jesus endured on the cross? It is almost incomprehensible how much Jesus loves us to take on the cross for you and me.
Will you slow down and ponder the path Jesus took on his way to the cross?
Let’s not let our unexpected circumstances keep us from one of the most spectacular events in history – the miracle of the resurrection.
Tap here to read about Jesus’ journey to the cross.
What Happens When We Focus on God?
When we take the time to focus on God, the rewards are endless. #focus #embracingtheunexpected Share on X
His Peace Becomes Ours
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
We Receive Understanding
After all, Jesus was human, and he felt incredible pain here on earth. Jesus knows our pain, and He will weep with us.
“Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Matthew 26:38
We Receive Companionship
We will never be alone. God can fill the gap of loneliness.
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8
Courage Fills Our Soul
God can take our fears away as we focus on Him. As we look to the cross, we realize if He can endure that for us – we certainly can face whatever lies ahead.
“The LORD is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1
Our Burdens Become Lighter
Our burdens will be easier as we focus on God and let him have our troubles. He will carry us through.
“Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you.” Psalm 55:22
We Find Joy
We can experience joy in the midst of our circumstances.
“For the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
Hope Comes Alive
When we anchor to God, we have hope for the soul.
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm, and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.” Hebrews 6:19
There are plenty of other helpful tips to thriving, which are worth considering, but none compares to focusing on God. Let’s let go of the distractions that keep us from Him. We can do this – God is with us! We are all living in the midst of the unexpected this April 2020; let’s thrive together as we focus on God.
Do you know how to thrive in the midst of the unexpected? Please share your tips?
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Thank you for this Maree. When times are tough I draw apart with the Lord & centre myself in His love, peace & His ultimate Will for my life. More of Jesus less of Jennifer.
Blessings,
Jennifer
I love your words, “more of Jesus.” Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Blessings, Maree
This morning, during a diagnostic breast imaging visit, they found a mass. A biopsy was performed while I was there and a lot of conversations with more than one person about surgery, cancer etc. Interestingly, God had led me to write to schedule this month’s blog theme around trusting God. I thought I was writing something to help others. Turns out it was for me. So today, I’m focusing on the God who said He will never leave me or forsake me. The God who tells me to cast my cares on Him because He cares. I am trusting in Him with all my heart.
God is amazing how His timing is always right. I love it when I find my words were indeed for me. I am so glad your words blessed you. I am praying for you right now as you put your trust in God. I’m so sorry you are heading down this unexpected road. May you feel God’s comfort and hear His wisdom. Blessings, Maree
It’s so important, isn’t it, to focus on God. Like you said, it’s all too easy to focus on the circumstances. Thanks for sharing so many of the blessings of keeping our eyes on Him.
Donna, Thank you for stopping by to read and your kind words. I hope you had a wonderful Sunday. Blessings, Maree
“After all, Jesus didn’t let the distractions get in the way of Him spending time with His Father.” And we are never a “distraction” to Him. As one who multi-tasks, I do get distracted even in the midst studying His word. Yet, that is pulling me away from thriving as His child. Thanks for this Maree Dee!
I appreciate this encouragement, Maree Dee, “Persevering well becomes a possibility when we choose where to focus, especially focusing on God.”
May we keep our eyes on Jesus. I hope you had a great weekend. Maree
Maree, I love your idea of sharing top posts. I really enjoyed this one. It’s encouraging as I still navigate certain stresses in my life. 🙂 The tips that most resonated with me were to think about what matters to God and to let go of distractions. When I’m living in stressful seasons, it’s too easy to allow the things causing the stress to consume and distract me. I’ve had to be intentional about getting away from the things distracting me so I can re-align my thoughts with the Lord.
Jeanne, Thank you – It is fun to look back and see what resonated with people. I, too, need to be intentional about getting away from the distractions. I have found a 10 minutes walk with God in the morning is fantastic. But here it is Wednesday, and I haven’t gone once. Maree
My mind is pre-occupied with so many things right now – the pandemic, keeping my entire family healthy, having to put food on the table despite the crisis, and so much more. Thank you for this timely and wonderful reminder.
I will constantly recite 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 in my mind so that I don’t forget to focus on God. Again, thank you for this post.
Elkyra, Sending a prayer up for you right now. These are hard times right now for many. So many things to juggle. I am happy you found this post helpful. Blessings to you, Maree
Wow! I needed this reminder to keep my eyes fixed on God to thrive in the unexpected. Thank you for sharing it. It’s always fun seeing you in the Grace and Truth Link up!
Thank you, Tiffany, for reading and your sweet comment. We all need a reminder to keep our eyes on Jesus. I do too.
What great reminders on how to keep focused on Him. Thank you.
Colleen, I am so glad you stopped by and left a comment. Thank you! I hope you had a fantastic Easter. Maree
Focusing on God makes such a difference, reminding us that whatever unexpected things we face they are not unexpected to him and he is with us in the midst of it all. Hope you had a happy Easter!
Lesley,
Thank you! I did have a good Easter once I got my focus on Him. How about you? Maree
I have been reminding myself, and others, to stay focused on God at this time. I have been finding gratitude is what works for me. At the end of each day, before heading to bed, I thank God for another day in which we experienced His mercy, His grace, and His keeping. Thank you for reminding me to keep on doing so!
Joanne,
I love that you express your gratitude at the end of the day. I do mine in the morning, but I might try both. Thank you for sharing. I hope you had a fabulous Easter. Maree
This is wonderfully wise. Happy Easter.
Thank you, Lauren, that means a lot coming from you. Happy Easter to you and your family.
Thank you for the reminder of where my focus should be.
I constantly need a reminder. Wishing you a Happy Easter!
This is such great, practical encouragement, Maree. We are in this together. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, it is pretty unique that we all have a common thread with this pandemic. Happy Easter!
I think a lot more people will be slowing down and thinking heavenward these days. I”m asking God how I can show them Himself to those lost in their anxieties. It makes me listen closer to the Spirit. xoxo
I, too, want to listen for the voice of the spirit to share our God with others. Thank you for the prompt. Happy Easter! Maree
This is great, Maree! Keeping our focus on God is key. I repeat Philippians 4:8 over and over to myself and have it displayed on my letter board as a reminder. Thank you for this encouraging post!
Pinned.
Thank you for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
Patsy – I love the verse you display,
8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 New International Version (NIV)
Quick questions, what is a letter board? I want to start putting verses up and memorize them. Thank you for stopping and also for sharing this post. Maree
You hit the nail on the head, Maree. The best way to thrive through the unexpected is to focus on God and time well spent with Him. And then when we do that, it’s natural to reach out to help others and love on them in every way you can
Wendy,
I love what you added to the topic. You are so right when we are spending time with God it is natural to reach out to help others. Maree