The enemy loves when I focus on myself because inward focus is self-consuming — consuming thoughts, time, and energy. Self-focus is any easy target by the enemy, because self-needs are so very needy.

When consumed with self, that one is self-consumed. Self-focus devours, bite by bite until nothing is left but bitterness, strife, pride, and self-infatuation. Ugh. Self can be so very selfish. When self is torn into pieces by self, there is no peace.

The world will not, cannot, satisfy, because we are not made for the world, we are made for eternity with an eternal purpose. An eternal soul can’t be filled by the temporal, only The Eternal One can fill for all eternity. Ultimate peace is found through giving up every piece of ourselves to God. Give God yourself, and within Him we find the amazing love and freedom freely given for all who wish to come.

Paul reminds us, “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh” (Romans 13:14, NIV). The cure for self-consuming is moving the focus off self and onto God, for when we are consumed with God and His love, our self-consuming stops. By focusing on God and His truth, His word, His love, His blessings, His grace, His mercy, we find freedom, new life, healing, love, growth, restoration, hope, peace, and the joy of His perspective.

Oh, the joy found in sloughing off the self-suit. May we be consumed with loving the Lord our God with all our hearts and with all our souls, and with all our minds. For when we are consumed with loving God, we find His peace, joy, rest, and self-exfoliation relief.

“Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?” (Matthew 25:25-26, MSG).

Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’” “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 22:37, NET Bible). (Matthew 11:28, NASB). For, God will make known to you the way of life; in His presence is fullness of joy; in His right hand there are pleasures forever (Psalm 16:11).

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