Changing our circumstances is sometimes out of our control. There are relationships that you pray would mend; a second report from doctors that bear the same disheartening news you wish would change; a mishap at work that you wish could be undone. The list could go on.
But there is definitely good news. We can change one important variable.
Our focus.
A friend recently asked me to name all the bad that happened to me that day. I didn’t hesitate. I had a good size list to rattle off. She smiled and listened. By her smile alone I knew she was up to something so I abruptly finished pretending that was it. But between you and I, I had at least a few more items to bring to the table.
She then asked me to name the good things that were within the bad I had just mentioned. I had to stop, change my perspective and really think about it. They slowly came to mind and began to replace the negative I was so focused on. Well, I guess my day wasn’t so bad after all! I should have known this was a trick question that I blindly waltzed in to!
Honestly, I’m so glad I did.
I didn’t realize how often I so quickly focused on the wrong things. What a difference my day could have been if my perspective was different!
There’s a hymn that was sung in church a few weeks ago. It’s called ‘Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus’. Do you know it? A simple hymn whose chorus goes like this . . .
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace
Think about it.
. . . and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.
Strangely. I love how that word was written in to the lyrics. it bears so much truth. When I focus on my own ability and power to change a situation, I am easily defeated. Easily! But when we focus on Christ, our problems begin to fade. We have no earthly explanation to give those looking on because the problem is still there, except that it’s only because of Christ! He provides us with peace, reminding us that His glory is sufficient, His grace is sufficient . . .
. . . He is sufficient.
Changing perspective and keeping our focus on Him isn’t always automatic. We are given an opportunity each day to renew and transform our focus and thoughts (Romans 12:2). When you feel you’re drowning in a sea of your own thoughts and circumstances redirect your focus on Christ.
Laser focus.
Until next time,
Nicole
