The Focus

​It’s pretty easy to think of many things which plague us, some of the time or all the time—the Coronavirus springs to mind. There’s a whole host of things of one kind or another that get into our days.  We can get wrapped up in a litany of problems and challenges.

​There’s an old saying: what goes up must come down.  Applied to our lives, that could be restated.  “What we give attention to becomes the focus of our minds and hearts.”
 
Have a look at an even older saying.  The Apostle Paul wrote to the congregation in Philippi.  It’s a great letter!  In the closing chapter (4th Chapter) Paul gives this wonderful guidance.  It’s even more wonderful when you know and recognizes that every word of it is inspired by God Himself.

 Finally …  whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

​There is an entire section of psychology which seems to have been directed and inspired by these words.  The message from it is “what goes in controls what comes out.”  In other words, if one allows his or her focus to rest on bad news, on negative emotions, on contentiousness of any kind – if these become the focus, then one’s life is driven by them.  
 
Think about the pattern of your own life.  Problems cannot be swept under the rug.  They must be met in a reasonable fashion.  That aside, I’ve had the so-called bad day.  You have too, haven’t you?  For me, a “bad day” is often awash in a roving focus on the negative stuff and negative personal opinions.  Does that sound familiar?

Please allow me to offer a slight paraphrase of Paul’s words.  Whoever is true, Whoever is pure, Whoever is excellent, Whoever is worthy of praise – think about Him.

​Dear Lord Jesus, Thank You for being the truth, for being without sin for us who cannot escape sin by ourselves.  In Your eternal Grace and Mercy, accept our thanks and praise.  Help us to always have You foremost in our hearts and minds.
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In Your Precious Name.  Amen.
 
+Pastor Rod