Do not be discouraged by the difficulty of keeping your focus on Jesus. I know that your heart’s desire is to be aware of God’s presence continually. This is a lofty goal; you aim toward it but never fully achieve it in this life. Don’t let feelings of failure weigh you down. Instead, try to see yourself as I see you.
First of all, I am delighted by your deep desire to walk closely with Jesus through your life. I am pleased each time you initiate communication with Jesus. In addition, I notice the progress you have made since you first resolved to live in God’s presence.
When you realize that your mind has wandered away from Jesus, don’t be alarmed or surprised. You live in a world that has been rigged to distract you. Each time you plow your way through the massive distractions to communicate with Jesus, you achieve a victory. Rejoice in these tiny triumphs, and they will increasingly light up your days.
Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
—Romans 8:33–34
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
—Hebrews 4:14–16.
