Where is Your Focus?

At the start of a new year, I often ask God for a specific word to guide me for the next twelve months. One year, the word, Focus, came to me, oddly enough, during the Total Strength class at the YMCA. After joining the Y, I began the dreaded Total Strength class. I say dreaded because I prefer comfort to pain. I’m not a gym person; I’d rather walk or ride my bike outside. Most anything is better than being inside a concrete building alongside strangers who sweat, grunt, and admire their reflections.

Without a legitimate excuse, I committed to regular workouts. The Y was less than 10 minutes from my home, and my insurance plan included a gym membership. I knew I needed to increase my muscle strength, so I begrudgingly went.

The class went fairly well until we began the lunges. The instructor gave us emphatic directions: “Do not let your knee go beyond your toes; find a focal point in front of you. Do not look down. “Where your eyes go, your body will follow.” How do I ensure my knee is situated correctly while simultaneously looking straight ahead?

A glance down and a quick check of the toes and knees caused a near tumble. I struggled to keep my balance. I almost lost it when I looked at other people. But when I kept my focus on a stationary dumbbell in front of me, I was steady.

Where your eyes go, your body will follow kept coming to me in the fitness class and at other times. I thought of a similar concept I’d read in an article. It came from the world of auto racing. The drivers learn that their natural tendency is to fixate on danger while driving at high speeds. Danger, such as a concrete wall near the edge of the track, could distract them. They’re trained to go against an impulse to focus on what they fear, and instead focus on where they want the car to go. Every instinct is to notice the threat, but they must force themselves to look past it. They must train themselves to look straight ahead, not behind or to the side.

The article preached to me. 

In our daily lives, if we focus on peripheral issues, we may lose sight of our primary goal: following Jesus. When we focus on the negatives, or even on other people’s lives, we might veer off our course with Him. With our peripheral vision, we’re aware of important things. But they don’t require our full focus as our forward vision does. 

Keep your head up, your eyes straight ahead, and your focus fixed on what is in front of you. Take care you don’t stray from the straight path, the way of truth, and you will safely reach the end of your road. Do not veer off course to the right or the left; step away from evil, and leave it behind.

Proverbs 4:25-27, The Voice

This verse helped me when I didn’t know what to do next. I desperately try to keep my eyes focused on Jesus, so scary, impossible scenarios around me won’t lure me away. These words brought me courage during my years of single parenting two children, one of whom has severe intellectual disabilities.

God doesn’t assure us a life without difficulty, but He tells us in Scripture that He loves us and will always be with us. 

Here are some ideas to help us keep our focus on Him:

In whatever season or circumstance I’m in, I ask God to guide me.

When people’s names and needs come to mind, I pray for them. Also, I keep a specific prayer list. 

It helps to be selective about the news and information I absorb. I choose books that enhance my spiritual growth or inspire me to think and write creatively. I educate myself through podcasts and videos. Time is limited. I don’t need to know details about the latest secular scandal or political drama.

I review a list of over 2,000 items I’m thankful for. It’s the the most encouraging practice! Continuing to add to my gratitude list reminds me of God’s faithfulness.

Years ago, when we moved from our hometown to another state, I felt sad and lost. Upon waking, I’d picture a huge banner that read: JESUS. It unfurled and covered my negative thoughts. It was a somewhat silly, but desperate practice that helped me find peace.

My friends, let’s focus on Jesus. Let’s set aside unimportant issues and worries. As you keep Him in first place, I promise He will be faithful to you! I’ve experienced His faithfulness for over 50 years!