Focus

Focus. We use it every day, often without giving it a second thought. We focus to drive, focus at work, focus on our problems, and focus on the goals we want to achieve. How much of our focus, though, is placed on God? In Hebrews 12:2 (NIV), we're told to “fix our eyes on Jesus.” This narrow focus of our minds and spirits on God gives us inward freedom in life. As we think about Him, our minds dwell on good things, like love, peace, security, and protection. We remember the ways He's helped in the past, so we don't fear our current troubles. We think about his character, and it puts our hearts at rest.

When worries come flooding in, we have a remedy. In Colossians 3:1–2, we're taught to set our hearts and minds on “things above.” What is the agenda that God has for this world? We're to be like Him, so in imitating Him we live with His plan in mind. He's always about the business of loving and rescuing people from their sin. As it says in 2 Peter 3:9, He doesn't want “anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” He wants to save us from the consequence of our sin, which is death, and give us life. But He also wants us to share this with others. As we go about our day, are we intentionally interacting in love, and offering them the life God has for them? Focus on the eternal, on people, not on accomplishing tasks or resolving problems, is so rewarding. Considering what’s most important in life lessens the weight of worry.

In a way, our main task in life is simple: love God, and love others. Jesus called these two the greatest commandments (Matthew 12:29–30). When we put God first and live to serve others, the worries and troubles that consume us fade simply because we shift our focus. We save our energy for better things: we're about the Father's business. We're doing His work, His way, with His power, for His glory—to benefit others. Funny thing is, when we do this, we suddenly find our own needs met. God tells us in Matthew 6:33 to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” The love, peace, and fulfillment we seek is found when we stop looking for it and worrying about it. Focus on Him and His concerns, and let your mind be at rest. “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).