Keeper of the Word
Mar 19, 2023
He gives you His whole heart... give Him your whole attention.
Dixie's Lesson on Attention:
My nephew’s German Shepherd, Dixie, has one great love — her ball. Nothing excites her more than the chase, the catch, and the hope that someone will join her in the game. What fascinates me is her determination. If you’re distracted, ignoring her, or simply preoccupied, she doesn’t give up. She’ll bark relentlessly, toss her ball in the air, catch it, squeak it — all in an effort to capture your attention. And more often than not, her persistence works. You stop. You notice. You play.
As I watched Dixie’s determined performance, I couldn’t help but see a lesson in her persistence — not for her, but for me.
As believers, the astounding truth is that we already have God’s full, unwavering attention. We don’t need to bark or perform to be noticed by our Heavenly Father. In His great love, His eyes are ever upon us (Psalm 32:8), His ears attentive to our prayers (1 Peter 3:12). Yet, I wonder… when He desires our attention — to speak, to guide, to pour into us — how persistent must He be? How often does He quietly wait, whisper through His Word, nudge our hearts… only to find we are too distracted to notice?
What a gift it is to know the Creator longs to meet with us. You’ve got God’s full attention… The real question is—does He have yours?
Reflections:
Matthew 13:13-16 reminds us that spiritual blindness isn’t always about not seeing—it’s about choosing not to see. Just as Dixie persistently tried to capture your attention, God continually reaches out to His children. Yet, while Dixie’s reward was a simple game of fetch, God’s desire is infinitely greater: fellowship, transformation, and the joy of His presence.
The tragedy is that we often hear without understanding and see without perceiving because life’s noise drowns His voice. Jesus taught that blessed are the ones whose eyes see and ears hear. God’s persistence is a testimony of His love—but how long will He have to work to get your focus?
If a dog’s persistence moves us to action, how much more should the King of the universe’s invitation move our hearts?
Journaling Prompts:
1. When has God been trying to get my attention lately?
2. What “noise” in my life keeps me from hearing His voice?
3. How can I create intentional space in my day to meet with Him?
4. Am I more reactive to the things of the world than to the voice of God?
5. How do Matthew 13:13-16’s warnings about spiritual blindness apply to me right now?
Prayer: Father, thank You that Your attention is always fixed on me. Forgive me for the moments I’ve been too distracted to notice You calling. Open my eyes to see and my ears to hear what You are speaking. Help me lay aside the noise and busyness so I can walk in step with You. May I be as eager to hear from You as You are to speak to me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
