If we focus on money, that’s where we will automatically go, toward money.
If we focus on social media and getting liked, that’s where we will automatically go, trying to get liked.
If we focus on food, that’s where we will automatically go, toward food.
If we focus on problems, that’s where we will automatically go, toward more problems.
What is the one thing God asks of us? To remember Him. To Love Him.
If we focus on Him, we will automatically go toward Him.
This is simple, but not easy, because life is full of distractions.
In the New Testament, In Matthew 22 we read: “Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.
In the Quran 13:28 it says: “Absolutely, by remembering God, the hearts rejoice.”
The Jewish hymn, Adon Olam, demonstrates love and remembrance of God: “Eternal Master…King…He is my God…He is my banner and refuge…Into his hand I commit my spirit when I sleep, and I awake…The Lord is with me, I will not fear.”
In the Book of Mormon, in 3 Nephi 18:7 The Lord said: “Always remember me.”
Think about a young child learning to walk.
When a young child is learning to walk, he does not analyze the mechanics of how to walk. He simply sees a loving parent with outstretched arms encouraging him forward. As he focuses on the smile and joy of the parent, he automatically takes a step in that direction. When he falls, the parent doesn’t chastise him, saying “You blew it! You have fallen 1,000 times! You are never going to get it right!” Of course the parent doesn’t say that. The parent claps and smiles and says “Yay! You took a step!”
I like to think of God with loving, outstretched arms, encouraging us to come and praising every step or effort toward Him. I believe He is grateful when we face toward Him and move toward Him, even as we stumble many times.
I was laying on the grass at the park, with a bit of a tummy ache and a bit of a dulled spirit from overeating. I was disappointed in myself. God did not display disappointment in me. He sent love and encouragement by way of a humming bird which stayed near me for a long time. He showed His mercy by way of bird songs and little birds hopping right in front of me. There was also a light breeze and the sound of water rippling in a stream. I felt it all was just for me. It was evidence of His love and awareness of my struggles to be good. He remembered me. I want to remember Him.
There are many ways to remember and love God:
Real prayer
Study His Word
Serve Him by serving others
Sing
Notice evidence of His love
Walk in nature
Breathe
Express gratitude
Meditate
Write personal inspiration
Forgive
Act with courage
Trust Him
And so forth
Whatever we focus on, we will automatically move toward. As we focus on Heavenly Father we will automatically move toward Him and eventually “get it right”. Meditation instructors tell us to notice our wandering thoughts, without judgment, then gently bring our focus back to our breath. In our daily life, when our thoughts wander because of myriad distractions, we can notice, without judgment, then gently bring our focus back to our God, with His loving outstretched arms. Then we will automatically move toward Him. It’s not that hard. It’s a matter of making a clear decision and making it a priority.
Have fun with it, just as a young child has fun learning to walk!