Hebrews 12: 2; Philippians 2: 4
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.
The dictionaries present the meaning of focus as the center of activity, attraction, or attention. It is the main or central point of a thing, especially something of interest. Another definition suggests it means giving special attention to one particular person or thing. Whichever way you look at it, the central theme here is attention.
Paying attention to a specific thing is a highly recommended effort in many endeavors. One of the benefits of doing so is a more critical analysis, deeper understanding/knowledge, and more discoveries about the object (or subject matter). In certain cases, focusing or paying attention is necessary for safety!
However, as highly recommended as this phenomenon is, there is only one occasion where it is grossly discouraged – that is, with regards to our problems! And this is the crux of the message presented in this article – that when it comes to our problems, challenges, and pains, we need to lose focus on those issues!
The tendency to fixate on the issues of pain is one that is common to human nature. Rolling the problem over and over in our mind, looking at different perspectives, analyzing it from different standpoints, and extrapolating unpleasant outcomes do not help the case, rather it worsens it!
Making our problems the central locus of attention magnifies the issue, thus empowering it unnecessarily beyond our capacity to bear or cope; In the same vein, it minimizes the ability to see possible solutions that could be available to us. Magnifying our problems (or difficulties), minimizes God’s intervention!
The suggestion here is not to deny the existence of whatever issues we are dealing with, but rather deny their destructive influence over our lives; by making a conscious effort to elevate God and demote the issue(s)!
In shifting focus, another strategy we should adopt is to help others! All around us, people are dealing with issues that overwhelm their minds. Why don’t you lend a hand of hope, or provide a shoulder they could lean on. Focusing on others shifts your attention from the devouring realities of your own problems; moreover, it empowers your coping power to survive the challenges!
There have been many instances where focusing on others, and helping them deal with their issues, brought the long-awaited solutions even to the helper, because what you make happen for others, will happen for you!
So start shifting focus as from today!