So I’m at the gym, and I’m not feeling motivated. I’m tired, stressed, and not wanting to work hard at anything. Then I see a person on the second floor looking out over the gym floor. They aren’t necessarily looking for me, just perusing the crowd. Almost reflexively, I start to train harder, grunt louder, and do just one more rep. After I finish, It hits me that I’m looking in the wrong direction for motivation. “Jesus” I say to myself, “ You are my audience today. I want to please you by doing my best in everything I attempt. forgive me for looking anywhere else but to you for my motivation”. The next set was dedicated to the lover of my soul. I did good, but I really was tired. Set after set, I asked Jesus to help me though, between reps I thanked Him for being my one true focus, and asking for the strength to do the next set. This is the power of the audience of one. Imagine God, stepping through the veil of time he created, and just watching you for the pure pleasure of it. Imagine Him smiling at you, encouraging you to do one more set, take one more step, read one more page, say no to what hurts you, and yes to what helps you. Imagine the power of knowing that the God of the universe has the capacity and desire to look at you daily, and love what He sees. This audience of one gave me great motivation when facing difficult and challenging times in my life. There were times when I was facing a giant in wrestling, a speaking opportunity in front of thousands, a challenging surgery with a new surgeon, or any of the things that made me feel alone, on my own, and without back up. That was when I would imaging Jesus smiling at me and saying “ come on Dean, I’m with you, you’re going to be ok, you’re going to do it!”
The word enthusiasm comes from two greek words, En Theos, or with God. Knowing that God is watching, loving, cheering, encouraging, challenging, ready to come to my aid, gives me enthusiasm, or God with me ness!
Verses on God watching over us-
Ps 23- Your rod and staff guide or watch over me. This is the protection ( staff) and discipline ( Rod) that come from a God intimately involved in your daily life.
Ps 32:8-9- God promises to watch over us as He guides and directs our life.
Ps 121: 5-8- God watches over us to protect us from harm and evil.
Prov 2:10-11- The result of seeking God’s wisdom and understanding will be knowledge and choices that watch over you and keep you safe.
1 Peter 3:12- The eyes of God watch over us daily, and He responds to those who seek him in love and desire to live holy lives.
How can you generate this imagery every day, make it real to you, and actually connect with God often through the day? Remember these verses, and use them to keep you focused on the reality of Jesus Christ in your life each day. Learn to experience God Through His word, and allow it to transform how you look at life. Here is an exercise on how to make the word of God applicable you today. This will connect you to God daily, and open your eyes to His agenda for you today.
Take a verse, one that speaks to you. Read it slowly, with purpose, and thought. Read it a couple of times, emphasizing different parts of it. Next, react to it. Here I mean react to God about it. This is a prayer experience where you thank God for the truth of the verse, or speak to Him about a part that really hits you, or attach the verse to a situation you know you need help with. The key here is to react to God about what you just wrote. Many people will do this in a journal. It captures the moment, and allows you to return for future learning.
Example- Rom 5:1– Therefore since we have been justified by faith we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Think through each section of the verse;
Justified( made right before God) Justified by faith ( absolute belief in Jesus as my savior and Lord) . Peace with God( no fighting, fear, or future death ) because of Jesus. His work frees me from sin, death, and a purposeless life on earth. What work? the cross here. What Jesus did to have me as his own….
Now talk to God about this verse– Thank you Jesus for the peace you have given me today. This peace comes from your work on the cross, and you have justified me in your eyes. I choose to live at peace with you and the world around me. I choose to be your instrument to proclaim how others may receive this peach with you that comes by faith. Thank you for your truth in this verse today.
Anybody can do this exercise, you don’t have to be a bible scholar. You are responding to the truth in the verse, and expressing it to God in prayer. You will find great comfort and strength in this kind of study, and your eyes will be opened to greater truths God wants you to know and share with others.
Finally, rejoice. Get EN Theos- with God! Thank him for the truth, promise, insight, or direction the verse gives you. Imagine his smile as you thank Him for revealing His truth to you in this way.
Now, as you go through the day, just bring up this verse from time to time. Let it wash over you, knowing that God’s spirit is speaking deep things to your heart. Suddenly, talk radio isn’t as important. The latest country western song is not being sung to . There is a quiet peace in your life as you interact with the God of the universe who looks at His child with love and care.