Keeping our Focus Where it Belongs
We run into trouble when we let our focus linger where it shouldn’t, so the moment we’re aware of our lapse, we need to put it back on Jesus.
We’re home! We totally enjoyed being involved in what God is doing in people’s lives in Romania and Poland, but it’s nice to return to the familiar. It’s also nice to return to our marina community and to get caught up with what’s been happening in our friends’ lives.
Gene spent several hours yesterday helping one neighbor figure out the sails and rigging for his boat. During their conversation, this first-time boat owner said that he and his son recently took the boat down the river toward open water. He steered the vessel from the outside while his son busied himself inside. At one point, his son called for his attention.
Our neighbor, still standing at the helm, looked inside to see what his son wanted. When he did so, he inadvertently turned the wheel ever-so-slightly. The momentary lapse nearly caused a crash with a rock wall.
“That close call taught me to stay focused on where I’m going,” he said. “I’ll never look away again, not even for a few seconds.”
Our friend’s lesson applies to more than boat safety.
It applies to our spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional well-being as well.
The psalmist wrote,
“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken” (Psalm 16:8 NIV).
His words remind us that our focus must always remain on Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2) The moment we move it to anything else, we run the danger of shipwreck.
Here’s what that looks like in daily life:
Being human, our focus naturally shifts to the things listed above and to others not mentioned. We run into trouble when we let our focus linger where it shouldn’t, so the moment we’re aware of our lapse, we need to put it back on Jesus. Prayer, playing or singing worship music, and reading the Word are the best means for doing so.
How about you?
Can you think of another example of how shipwreck happens if we focus on anything other than Jesus?
Know you are loved,
Grace
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Grace ,first thank you for sharing this wonderful message. So fitting for me today.
I had to journey into unfamiliar territory today and was not properly focused. I looked left then right and started to cross the hyway, looked left again to see a car coming at me ,speed across, thanking God for keeping us in both cars safe and asking forgiveness also not being focused. And what comes into my mailbox but this wonderful reminder. Thank you Lord, thank you Grace
Hi Elizabeth. I’m sorry to hear about the driving scare but glad for your safety!
Grace, Glad to hear you and Gene got home okay . And that your trip went well. Always Keeping you both in prayer.
Enjoy your messages here and in Mornings with Jesus .
Enjoy be home.
With God’s Blessings.
Thank you for your prayers, Penny. I’m so glad you enjoy the things I write. That’s an answer to my prayers–that God would use the things I write to bless and encourage those who read them. Have a wonderful day!