Focus, People!

Have you ever noticed how effortless it is to focus on the negative? From the news to the classroom to conversations at work and home, it just seems way too easy to go down that path. Seems instinctual really.

That said, ultimately, it’s not very productive. Why? Because the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). When we’re focused on the negative, we’re definitely not feeling joyful, and we're operating from a place of weakness.

It took the first 35 years of my life to figure out that the quickest way for me to stop negative feelings, fears, anger, or depression, was to start thanking God for the good in my life. Out loud. Preferably with a prayer partner.

Try this the next time you are feeling down. Call someone who will pray with you. Don’t spend your time talking about the negative situation that you are experiencing. Instead, start praying together, thanking the Lord for anything and everything that comes to mind.

For example: “Thank you, Lord, for waking me up again this morning. Thank you for providing the air that I breathe and for giving me use of my arms and legs.”

As you pray this way, more things will come to your mind. Things we just tend to take for granted. Within minutes, you will feel amazingly better. Joyful even!

Here’s another trick. Don’t feel like cleaning the house? Thank the Lord that you have a house to clean. Angry with your child? Thank the Lord for blessing you to be able to have children. No matter what the aggravation, the Lord has blessed you. Focusing on the blessing will give you the joy—and the peace—that’s lacking in the midst of the challenge.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, 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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4: 4–9, NIV)

If you’ve been struggling lately—and it seems that everyone I know has been—then take a few minutes every day for purposeful thanksgiving. You will be amazed at the results. Focusing on the positive takes practice, but like any other habit, the more you do it, the more natural it will become to you.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2 NIV).

Now that’s focus!