As I write, one of the lessons that the Lord is actively teaching me is: Choosing what to focus on. Do you realize that much of our struggle in life is a result of what we’re focusing on? Life will never be perfect. We realize this, yet we work ourselves up about it. We focus on what angers us, what bothers us, what is coming against us. What if we accepted those things for what they are without focusing on them? If we are going to live the abundant lives that Christ died for us to live, we must begin choosing what to focus on.
Choosing what to focus on requires us to determine what we won’t focus on. Things that we should not focus on include, but are not limited to:
- negativity
- evil
- enemies
- attacks
- obstacles
We don’t ignore or avoid these realities, we simply keep them in perspective. Overly focusing on a thing makes it bigger. Though these things are real issues of life, we do not want to make them bigger than they are. I’m reminded of the message on rearview mirrors: “objects may appear closer than they are.“
Overly focusing on the negative makes them seem bigger than they actually are. Instead of focusing on these issues, we can simply acknowledge their reality and move on. Move on to issues or topics more worthy of our attention. Most often, the things that bother us are outside of our control. If it’s outside of our control, let’s not waste our energy on it. Instead, focus on what you can control: your response.
Use adverse circumstances as opportunities of growth.
Instead of focusing on what the situation is doing to you or taking from you, focus instead on what it is giving you. What could the situation be revealing in you? Often, these situations that challenge and anger us, are the very situations that God is using to teach and develop us.
When we choose to focus on the situation through this spiritual lens, our entire perspective and attitude changes. We move from feeling attacked to feeling empowered. Instead of feeling opposed, we feel chosen for an opportunity to grow. Those God blesses, He tests. To whom much is given, much is required.
So often, we expect blessings without maturity. In order for us to expect much from God, we must be willing to give much. Now, don’t get me mistaken. We don’t work to receive from God. God loves us so He gives to us. However, God will not give us what we won’t properly handle. He will not give to us what we will abuse or misuse. Consider James 4:2-3:
“Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because you ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”
God knows and sees the heart. He knows how we will handle what He gives to us. He sees why we even want it. This is why growth and maturity are key. Not only must we mature so that we’ll do right with what God bestows upon us, we must mature so that our motives are right for wanting it in the first place!
So, as it relates to choosing what to focus on, I encourage focusing on the heart.
Don’t focus so much on others, focus on what others are revealing about you. As children of God, we have no reason to fear man.
“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
Psalm 118:6
Instead of focusing on what’s troubling you, focus on the God who is able to cause all things to work for your good [Romans 8:28]. Even when others have ill motives toward you, their ill motives are no match for God [Genesis 50:20]. He causes all things to work according to His will. Let’s choose to focus on that!
With love,
