FOCUS

For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. ~ Romans 7:19

Just like driving, you will go where you turn your eyes or your attention. If you turn your eyes toward Jesus, you’ll drive straight, but as soon as you turn your eyes to the right or to the left, you begin to drift and may eventually crash. There are things we do that we don’t want to do—like repeating habits we didn’t like in our parents, or overeating, or addictions. And then there are things that we don’t do but wish we did or knew we were supposed to be doing—like exercising, eating right, spending time with the family, starting or pursuing a dream or career choice. And when we do the things we don’t want to do or don’t do the things we want to do, we criticize, beat up, and tear down ourselves. So what’s the answer? FOCUS.

Fellowship. You are not the only person who has ever encountered this thing. Spend time with other believers who can encourage you, lift you up and help move you along the right path. You’ll also want to start spending fellowship time with God. He knows the path He’s laid out for you and the one you’ve been on and He can quickly direct your steps to get you back on track.

Ownership. If you aren’t making good choices, the only person you have to blame is yourself. Owning it doesn’t mean living with it forever; it means taking responsibility for your actions—or lack of actions—and then moving forward.

Counsel. Proverbs 21:2 says, “All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.” We need to seek help and wisdom from other believers because when we are in the midst of situations, we don’t always see things clearly. If you see someone living the way you want to live, seek them for help, spend time with God and ask Him for help, but don’t continue to rely on your own counsel.

Utilize. God didn’t place you on an island by yourself to figure out your own problems. He surrounded you with resources: people. Some of those people have “been there, done that, moved on.” Others were never there, but are still good resources as to how to avoid future bumps in the road. When you’re stuck in a rut, use your “phone a friend” and get help getting out.

Start. We all have to start somewhere, sometime at something. Today’s the day! Never put off till tomorrow what you can begin today. You don’t have to conquer the world today, but you do have to start today. Today, take one small step forward. Tomorrow, take another small step forward. Keep going until you’ve reached your goal.

Hillsong sings, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” It’s about focus. When we stop looking at the problem, stop reliving it in our minds, and turn our full attention to Jesus, it’s amazing how our problems suddenly have no power over us at all and we become empowered to move forward.

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. ~ Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, Hillsong