“So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.”Philippians 3:15-16 MSG
Keeping focused is something I struggle with. In today’s society, they like to call it ADD, Attention Deficit Disorder. I’m not sure I’m totally in that arena, but staying focused for me is hard. I usually have several things going on at once, and want to get them all done yesterday. Then those distractions happen, and I get off course of the task at hand. Like a camera out of focus, things become very blurry.
When my children were younger and I was a member of the Mom’s-on-the-Bleacher-Society, watching, filming, and taking pictures of their many sporting events, I was always amazed at their focus. When gun fired, (track) or buzzer went off (fencing), or the nod was made (calf roping) their focus was incrediable. Nothing else in the world mattered at the time. They were in the zone, they were in the game to win. Especially my two boys, who are very competive. They didn’t want to play, unless they won. Though the trophy or the Buckle wasn’t always won, they could have won a prize for determination. They would often tell me, the race or game is won before you enter the field, it’s won in your mental preparation. There was a total commitment on their part, to practice and practice, so they could win the prize. You can’t be off in la-la land, and expect to receive the prize. There’s a price to pay for that prize. The same is true in life.
God has good things in store, but one must stay focused on God and His Word to receive it. The scripture says “to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” (Heb. 12:2). Those are nice words, but hard to do. Not impossible, but hard. Staying focused on Jesus, when the world around you is screaming for your attention in so many areas. When flash back memories of past failures continually play on the instant replay in your mind, it’s hard to find that turn off switch, and focus on something else. I’ve gone through things in life that are rather unpleasant experiences which caused me to loose sleep and my peace. I had to force myself to think on something else. As I laid in bed, exhuasted and stressed from the whole situation, my mind playing instant replay over and over, I forced myself to think on God’s Word. I began to recall scriptures I know, and forced myself to think on them instead of the very unpleasant circumstance. After some time, I was amazed how peace began to enter my heart, and eventually at that moment, sleep. I had to choose to believe what God has said is the truth. His Word never fails. I had to choose to fix my eyes on Jesus instead of the situation at hand. I had to choose to stay in the game and keep my focus on the prize.
So when things in life are distracting you from keeping with God, put on your game face, and stay focused on His Word, choose life with God.