The Gaze That Transforms

Day 5: Finding True Power Through Spiritual Freedom

What if everything we've been taught about power is backwards?

Hey friend,

I've been thinking a lot lately about something that's completely shifted my perspective on life, success, and what real strength actually looks like. Maybe you can relate to this feeling—that constant pressure to climb higher, earn more, achieve more, control more. I spent years believing that more was the answer to everything. More money would bring security. More influence would bring respect. More labor would bring more opportunities.

But what I discovered surprised me completely.

When "More" Becomes Less

You know that quote, "You get the money, you get the power"? Many live by it. Many believe if we could just accumulate enough—whether that is wealth, status, achievements or networking—we'd finally feel powerful and secure. But here's what nobody tells you about that path: the more you gather, the tighter you have to grip. The more you have, the more you have to protect. It's exhausting, isn't it?

I remember lying awake at night, mind racing with worry about maintaining what I'd built, proving myself worthy of what I'd earned, and planning my next move to stay ahead. That golden cage I'd built around myself? It wasn't freedom at all—it was prison.

Then I encountered something that changed everything: a different kind of gaze.

The Gaze That Sets You Free

What if I told you that true power doesn't come from holding on tighter, but from letting go? That real capability doesn't come from accumulating more, but from finding freedom?

This isn't just spiritual fluff—this is a practical way of living that transforms everything. When we learn to fix our gaze steadily on God instead of on our circumstances, bank accounts, or social media metrics, something profound happens. We step into what I call "God's economy of freedom."

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 
Matthew 6:33

looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2

Here's the beautiful paradox: When you keep your gaze fixated on God, you move into greater liberty. And with more freedom comes more capabilities.

The Difference Between Glancing and Gazing

Let me ask you something: Do you glance at God or gaze at Him?

There's a huge difference. Glancing might look like:

A quick prayer before a big meeting

Reading a verse while your coffee brews

A hasty "thank you" when something goes well

But gazing? That's different. Gazing requires time and intention. It's like becoming absorbed in a breathtaking sunset or losing track of time in conversation with someone you deeply love. When we become fixated on God this way, our entire world shifts.

What Focused Attention Actually Looks Like

I want to get practical with you because this isn't about spending hours in a monastery (though that sounds nice sometimes!). This transformation happens in ordinary moments:

During your lunch break: Instead of scrolling your phone, try sitting quietly for just 10 minutes. Rest in God's presence and let His peace wash over your heart before diving back into the afternoon chaos.

Before responding to difficult texts: Pause. Take a breath. Whisper, "Jesus, show me how you would answer this." You'll be amazed at the wisdom that flows from the Holy Spirit.

While doing mundane tasks: Turn on worship music while washing dishes. Let those words soak into your spirit and watch your mood shift from irritation to gratitude.

Through journaling: Write down what God is highlighting to you each day. Notice how it affects your plans, your reactions, your choices.

“Enlarge the place of your tent, And let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; Do not spare; Lengthen your cords, And strengthen your stakes. For you shall expand to the right and to the left, And your descendants will inherit the nations, And make the desolate cities inhabited.
Isaiah 54:2-3 

When Everything Changes From the Inside Out

Here's what I've experienced as I've practiced this kind of focused attention: an inner spaciousness begins to grow, a capacity. Those old fears? The shame? That desperate need to prove yourself? They start losing their grip.

In relationships: Instead of snapping at that difficult coworker, you find yourself pausing, asking "Lord, how do you see this person?" Compassion rises where frustration used to live.

In finances: When money worries hit (and they will), instead of spiraling into anxiety, you remember that God's resources are unlimited. You wait for His direction instead of making panicked decisions.

In decision-making: You start choosing based on deep trust rather than pressure or desperation. You value God's quiet assurance over others' approval.

People notice. Friends see peace where there used to be insecurity. Family members feel loved more consistently. Coworkers witness a steadiness that wasn't there before.

The Freedom-Capability Connection

I used to think capability came from collecting more skills, more connections, more resources. But I've learned something counterintuitive: true capability surfaces when we surrender control.

I've watched a father discover new patience and wisdom only after laying down his obsession with perfect parenting. I've seen a ministry volunteer find her voice when she admitted her inadequacy instead of trying to impress everyone. These transformations didn't come from accumulating techniques or accolades—they bloomed from surrender.

Your Transformation Toolkit

Ready to try this for yourself? Start here:

Identify your "accumulation areas": Where have you been chasing worldly capability? Perfect reputation? Relentless productivity? Control over people and plans?

Recognize the hidden bondage: Notice the exhaustion, fear, and defensiveness that come with these pursuits. When capability becomes about what you can hold or display, it becomes a prison.

Turn toward surrender: Place these longings in God's hands through prayer. Create space in your heart for something new to grow.

Practice gratitude daily: Thank God for His character, for small freedoms you've already tasted, for abilities and opportunities that have surfaced, for the transformation happening within you.

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
Psalm 34:8

The Journey Continues

Friend, this isn't about achieving a perfect process. It's about returning, again and again, to the only gaze of the Lord that truly liberates and equips us. Some days you'll nail it. Other days you'll slip back into old patterns. That's okay—grace covers it all.

What I want you to know is this: you were made for freedom. Not the kind that comes from accumulating more stuff, but the kind that flows from fixing your eyes on the One who loves you completely, where you are now.

As you begin to cultivate this focused attention, your heart will align and open to new possibilities of God and the production of the fruits of the Spirit. Patience where there was frustration. Courage where there was fear. Joy that gives you strength beyond your circumstances. Each moment spent in God's presence, His word, reshapes how you see yourself and the world around you.

A Question for Your Heart

Before you go, I want to leave you with this: What would your life look like if you truly believed that with more freedom comes more capabilities? What would you do differently today if you trusted that God's gaze on you is filled with love, not judgment?

Take some time to reflect on that. Journal about it. Pray about it. And remember—this transformation isn't a destination you arrive at, but a beautiful journey you walk, one focused moment at a time.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.
Psalm 23:1-3

You've got this, friend. And more importantly, God's got you.

What resonated most with you in this post? I'd love to hear about your own journey toward spiritual freedom in the comments below. And if this encouraged you, please share it with someone who might need to hear it today.