“Holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.” Hebrews 3:1

Change of Focus

I’ve recently had some difficult days. One day in particular I was feeling quite sick. I was calling out to the Lord to help me get through the day. I had this impression come to my mind: “Find me in the moment.” I was a bit puzzled as I was already praying. I stopped and thought about it, and began to focus on who Jesus is.

He is my healer, my companion, my sustainer, my help, my rock, my refuge, my strength, my Savior, my friend. I focused on who He is—not just what I needed from Him. No, the yuckiness of how I was feeling didn’t disappear, but my focus changed from me and my needs to His greatness and all that He is. This change of focus lifted the heaviness off my difficult day. I was still sick, but my day was “lighter.”

As I focused on Jesus and His greatness, it felt like something was released. As I “found Him in the moment,” I also found new grace, new strength, new comfort. I somehow tapped into His provision for me by focusing on Him.

Some years ago Floyd bought me a telescope for our living room so that I can look out and enjoy the ocean. When I look through the lens, I can see the ocean, but I have to adjust it and focus in on things to really enjoy the beauty of what I’m seeing. I think this is what is happening as I look for Him in the moment.

It has given me a new “guideline” of what to do in my times of need. I look to Him and focus on Him, lifting up my need to Him, but choosing to direct my attention to His goodness and mercy instead of concentrating on what I need. The change of focus is powerful.

Lord, we know our sorrows aren’t wasted and the hard times bear rich fruit. Thank You for revealing Your truth to our hearts. Amen.