Our Focus

Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.

Proverbs 4:25

Have you ever tried to teach someone how to ride a bike? It can be terrifying to watch as they learn how to steer and keep their balance. There might be more instances of veering off the path than there are of staying on the path. But the one thing they may not realize immediately is this: Where they focus their eyes or head is where they will go.

Consider learning how to drive a car. You’ll hear, “Eyes on the road!” Why? Because the car starts to drift in the direction we look. It’s amazing how such a small shift in our focus can deter us from the path that is better for us.

The same holds true when we are not feeling like ourselves. Our symptoms can derail us from the healthier things we need to do (or used to do), and ultimately prevent us from focusing on God. It’s not intentional, but it can sneak up on us as we struggle in our own strength to manage our symptoms. We have somehow gotten so off track that we forget to seek God and we have run off the road.

The good news is that even in the middle of our most difficult times, we can refocus our attention and our minds on God and he will bring us back to the right path. Because he is always with us, he is there to answer when we ask for help, and gently helps us refocus. It may not mean our symptoms go away, but it does mean we never have to walk alone when our eyes are fixed on him.

Even when it feels as if we are being crushed by earthly troubles, we can remain joyful. If we keep our focus on God, our spirit cannot be trampled.

Mary C. Neal

Instead of concentrating on your problems and getting discouraged, focus on God and meditate on His promises for you. You may have fallen down, but you don’t have to stay down. God is ready, willing and able to pick you up.

Joyce Meyer

Vision is the ability to see God’s presence, to perceive God’s power, to focus on God’s plan in spite of the obstacles.

Chuck Swindoll

For Further Reflection

Colossians 3:2; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Proverbs 3:6

Today’s Prayer

Lord, I can’t figure out why or how I have these depressive feelings. But I know that I can call on your name and you will meet me wherever I am. And when you meet me where I am, you will lift my head and help me refocus. Please help me to remember that. Amen.