Smiling takes work. I smile hoping the emotion of gladness proceeds. But no. About 280 million people in the world suffer from depression. I am not alone. Plagued by thoughts… “What is wrong with me? Gladness for my life should be easy.” However, the external world never measures up to uplift my emotional state.  The world disappoints for God provides gladness.

Things seldom go according to plan. Why then do we respond with disappointment or anger when plans fail? The answer lies within the condition of our heart.

“I had it in my heart to…” King David’s opening statement to the leaders of his kingdom. He proceeds to communicate to them why he would not be able to fulfill his heart’s desire to build the Lord a temple (1 Chronicles 28: 2). David simply without resentment says, “But God said to me you shall not..” (1 Chronicles 28:3). What allowed David to accept the Lord’s decision? Did not David say it was his heart desire? David’s plan seemed righteous and noble.

Repent. John the Baptist preached the first word of the gospel to prepare the way (Matthew 3:2). Repent—the first word preached by Jesus in His Galilean ministry (Matthew 4:17). Repent. Peter’s first word of exhortation during the first church service (Acts 2:38). Repent.

Adults on average make 35,000 decisions per day, yet I do not find myself praying the equivalent. Those decisions require sizing (small, medium, or large), understanding (complex or simple), and resolution. In other words, each decision requires an adult to discern. However, wisdom to discern begins and ends with God.

Did you know about fifty percent of people struggle with focus and concentration? The struggle to gain work-life balance, respond to the pressures of modern life, and maintain a social life physically and virtually (social media) leaves many struggling to focus. Lack of focus results in poor decision-making, inability to complete quality work, forgetfulness, and low energy. The enemy steals our focus to create the perfect storm to keep the children of God ineffective.