“If only” is an expression of regret, an acknowledgement of bad decisions. God tells us how to minimize regret when he says he “teaches you for your benefit,” and “leads you in the way you should go.” Peace like a river, righteousness like the waves of the sea, abound to those who hear and obey God. 

God’s instructions are good. They are profitable. They are helpful. They are beneficial. They lead to pleasant consequences. 

Good living gives attention to what God teaches. Good living follows where God leads us along. 

What we give our attention to, the focus of our lives, shapes what we become. So goodbye twenty-four-hour news channels. We do not need your anxiety-producing breaking news sounders. 

Adios endless scrolling on social media. We do not need the constant comparison of people we only kinda sorta know and care about.

Let’s go with God. There is real adventure there. There are soul-saving, life-changing exploits in abundance. There are wrongs made right, hurts healed, and purpose regained. 

Where will you direct your focus today? 

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I will listen for God’s voice and follow in his steps.

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Our Father, teach me. Direct my steps. Give me self-disciplined focus on what matters most. Give me the right lead measures to take in pursuit of peaceful outcomes. Amen.