Navigating Life: Focus
A few years ago, I took an online course in Power Driving. This was not a course in racing or speed driving, but about learning practical skills to navigate the roads more safely. One of the things I learned through that course was that cars will tend to migrate in the direction our eyes move. For example, if you are distracted by a billboard on the right side of the road, your car will tend to veer that direction—if only a little. It can be dangerous to misplace our focus while driving.
I think that lesson also applies to our thought and spiritual lives.
Anxiety is rampant in our culture today. We are bombarded with reels and news feeds that feature up-to-the-minute reports on stock market volatility, virus threats, dangerous international events, tainted food, and so much more. We live in a virtual, connected world that entices people to be glued to their computers and mobile devices, even as it erodes our sense of inner peace. The next time you are waiting in line, check out how many people are fixated on their cell device—including you! This is not some small issue: Studies have shown that fear and anxiety are on the rise in this digital age, and it is dramatically affecting our mental and spiritual health. Like drivers on a busy road, people—even people of faith—can find their attention diverted from looking to God for life and meaning because of the distractions around us. The result is that our life and spiritual trajectory can veer into dangerous and even deadly areas.
We veer towards that on which we focus. When we open ourselves to outside influences, we can also unconsciously make false agreements with things that are not true and damaging to our spiritual, emotional, and even physical health.
The good news is that we have a choice, even when it feels difficult. We can either:
1) Choose to live in chaos, fear, and anxiety that are at war with our souls
2) Choose to look to God and trust in Him as we give our worries and cares to Him.
Here is what Jesus said about that choice:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1)
Did you catch that? Jesus implied that we have a choice: allowing our hearts to be troubled or choosing to believe and trust in Him. In these turbulent times, it’s vital that we consciously turn our thoughts and hearts away from the fears and distractions all around us, and instead look to Jesus, who has experienced life and death and is alive and available today to help us. It’s about focusing on the right thing—or better stated, the right person!
“…Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (From Hebrews chapter 12)
Inviting and nurturing an experiential relationship with God is the only effective way to persevere and triumph through the trials and fears of life. God’s grace is all-powerful, and opening ourselves to this gift is an ongoing, everyday choice to hand over our worries to Him:
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
I battle anxiety and fears just like everyone else. In addition to casting my cares on Him, I find it’s necessary to nurture my relationship with God to find His peace in that battle. This involves choosing to spend time each day—throughout the day—listening, talking to, and experiencing Him through prayer, Bible reading, journaling, and even Christ-centered podcasts as I run each day. I share this approach not so much as a how-to technique, but as an encouragement to find a spiritual rhythm that works for you in order to enter into God’s presence deeply. The more I go through life the more I realize that being deeply connected with the one true God through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, is the most valuable treasure anyone can have. I am constantly coming back to God and seeking His presence for re-orientation and peace that overrides and calms human fears. If we ask, God will change and equip us to establish a healthier diet of media consumption so that we are not as prone to the flood of content that leads to anxiety and fear.
To be clear, I’m not saying anyone should not seek help for deep emotional issues or stop taking doctor-prescribed medications for a condition. God often uses treatments as part of His healing plan for people! That stated, God really, really wants us to know Him, and invites us to cast all of our worries, anxiety, and cares on Him. What is the best way to do this? The answer will vary from one person to another. Here are three ideas to get you started:
· Tell God your cares—out loud! Affirm that God cares for you by speaking Scriptures that affirm this (Psalm 103 is a good one to start with)
· Write down your worries on a prayer request sheet or notebook (this is good because you can check back and see how God heard and answered you).
· Share your cares with someone who will pray with and for you.
I’m including two original songs to help you focus on God in anxious times:
1) I wrote “The Peace of Christ” in the middle of a storm. You can listen to it by clicking on this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZKPGBvqG1g
2) In one of my earlier recordings I included an original song about releasing our cares to God. Here is the link to the song “Cast Your Every Care”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLC2TTtshX4
Finally, here is one of my favorite passages from the Bible. It’s so good to remember and speak aloud when worries try to creep in:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
Reorienting our focus from outside forces to God will keep us safe and at peace under His wings and on His path.
God bless you!
Chris Atkins