Singleness of Heart and Action
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I often look back on my university days with fond memories. Although the workload was heavy, I didn’t mind final exams. No more classes or assignments, no expectations placed on me but one alone – to study. I reveled in the singular focus.
As a mom, I sometimes wish for simpler days when I had one thing to do. The multiple duties of motherhood constantly fragment my attention. There is the need to teach, to discipline and encourage my children; to organize schedules, to drive and volunteer; to cook and clean; to study, to write and lead. In the midst of the urgent, it is easy to lose sight of what is important.
It isn’t just my problem. We all get distracted; we all forget what matters most.
That is why I love God’s promise to Jeremiah:
“They will be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me for their own good and the good of their children after them” (Jeremiah 32:38, 39).
Because the people of Judah had forgotten God’s commands and followed other gods, God sent Babylon to destroy their nation and take the people into exile. God stripped away the outside stuff of their lives, so that they would be able to focus on Him alone.
But in the middle of their trouble, God promised to give them singleness of heart and action. He promised to be their God. God Himself would give them the ability to fix their attention solely on Him.
He will do the same for us if we ask Him.
Great and Awesome God, give me a singleness of heart and action so that I will always fear You. Teach me to walk in Your ways and focus on You alone.
Questions: Is it difficult for you to focus on God alone? Why? How does it help to know that God is the one who gives us singleness of heart and action?
About the Author Suzanne Benner
Daily audio podcast: Today’s daily devotional, Singleness of Heart and Action, read aloud on the Men’s Devotional Blog
This is what I actualy needed to read at this moment. I have been finding it difficult to show my love for my Lord through obedience to His word. I will continue to ask for singleness of heart to obey Him from today
Suzanne, thank you for the devotional.
I and my husband are blessed with retirement. The children(now adults) are living on their own with college for my son and career for my daughter. We are ‘empty-nesters’ with a 2yr. old boxer/cross whom we have received much joy (and fills the gap). I have no difficulty in spending ‘one on one’ with the Lord; no interruptions, up before the dawn daily.
Knowing that God is there no matter what gives me strength each night when I lay my head down. Each morn with His Word, I am reminded of how grateful and humble I am for His grace and mercy each day.
I definitely needed a reminder of this, so many things take up most of my time and I’ve missed that time with God. I encourage others as well as myself to make the effort to set time apart for God, to make Him no. 1 and see how things will all fall into place.
This is exactly what i needed! I got on here completely randomly, or so i thought. God always knows what we need.
I find it so hard to have singlemindedness for God. So many other things seem to crowd in my mind when I am spending time with God. I never even thought to pray for His help in that area.
I needed to be reminded of this today. I’ve started receiving email devotionals b/c its the first step in MAKING myself spend time with God. Ever since I had my son (he’s 16 months old) it seems that I just can’t prioritize (won’t, actually) to spend time with God. I hadn’t thought to pray for singleness of mind from God. How insightful!