Thinking Heavenward

Have you ever had one of those days, those weeks, those months...where you realize that the Lord is incessantly trying to break through to you with a life-lesson of sorts? It seems as though recently the Lord has been bombarding me with circumstances and situations that all seem to direct me to the question, "Am I really living with a focus that is heavenward?"

It is almost hard to put into words what I have felt, experienced, and have been challenged with over the past month. It has been a conglomeration of so many different things. I recently have tried to use my "free" time in a more focused manner. Please realize that I use the term "free time" rather loosely. I feel as though my life is wound a bit tight so this free time usually is spent in the car or is between the hours of 10:00-12:00 at night. I sometimes listen to my i-pod or just try to spend time in solitude. I recently have been listening to a song on one of my tracks that narrows down what I feel the Lord has been trying to teach me. It is an old hymn that I have found myself playing over and over.

Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain
Free to all, a healing stream
Flows from Calvary’s mountain.

In the cross, in the cross,
Be my glory ever;
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.

Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the bright and morning star
Sheds its beams around me.

Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day,
With its shadows o’er me.

Near the cross I’ll watch and wait
Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I reach the golden strand,
Just beyond the river.

Refrain

I am more convinced and aware of the constant and unending distractions that interfere with me keeping a heavenward focus...one that keeps me near the cross...remembering the whole reason I live. Living free of those distractions is such a delicate balance. But the Lord has challenged my deepest and inner motives in so many areas of my life,areas in which I would have quickly claimed that I had no problems or issues. I have been challenged to think about what exactly I am living for each day. I have been challenged to examine my heart and have discovered areas that need tending to...that need to be directed "near the cross".

While it has been a time of conviction, it has also been so encouraging to think of all that the Lord has done for me. His grace and mercy that covers me and is ENOUGH! I realize that as I stay "near the cross" I will not wait in shame. I am able to thrive and grow and experience the life He has intended.

My heart is challenged. My life is changing. My God is oh so very good!