How to Keep Our Focus on Jesus

The question, “How do we keep our focus on Jesus?” has no one-size-fits-all answer because every person’s situation is different.

“How can we keep our focus on Jesus when so many legitimate needs cry for our attention?”

A radio host recently asked me that question during an interview in which we discussed the busy pace many people keep and how different phases of life demand more time than others. We talked about some seasons allowing space for us to soak in Scripture daily while others allot only a few minutes to read the Bible.

Some seasons grant the freedom to spend large amounts of time in uninterrupted prayer while others make us experts in prayer on-the-run. Some seasons provide time to bask in God’s presence while others leave us breathless and gasping for air.

Focusing on Jesus

The question, “How do we keep our focus on Jesus?” has no one-size-fits-all answer because every person’s situation is different, but we can make this work for us no matter what our circumstances look like.

Besides spending time reading God’s Word on a regular basis, here are a few suggestions—in no particular order—that I’ve learned and practiced throughout various seasons of my life. We keep our focus on Jesus when we …

Listen to praise and worship music.

I often listen to the local Christian radio station when I drive, take a walk, work out at the gym, and while I do chores on my boat-home. Any concerns I carry feel lighter when I focus on the lyrics and the truth of who God is. (Psalm 100:4-5)

Take concerns to Him immediately.

Negative stuff happens and our human bent tends to stew over it. Doing so only embeds our focus in the wrong place. Taking worries, fears, and disappointments to Jesus right away ensures our focus stays in the right place—on Him. (Matthew 11:28-30)

Talk to Him continuously throughout the day.

Let’s greet Him when we wake up. Let’s acknowledge His presence as we commute to work, take a walk, and do our daily tasks. Let’s thank Him frequently throughout the day for simple pleasures and for being our constant companion. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Meditate on His teachings.

Memorize a verse from His teachings and post it where you’ll see it often. Pause to ponder key words. Review it as you fall asleep at night. Incorporate it into your prayers.

Utilize resources that lead us into a deeper relationship with Him.

Reading and studying our Bible comes first, but we can also use other resources including faith-based books, podcasts, and YouTube sermons. Add missionary biographies to your reading list. Be discerning, please. There’s a plethora of materials out there, but not all are based in truth.

Say yes to ministry opportunities that force reliance on His strength.

This is one of the best ways, I believe, to experience Jesus in new ways. So go ahead—take the leap. Do something that’s far beyond your own ability. Let’s not let fear stop us from saying yes to a faith-stretching opportunity to serve Jesus.

Life being what it is, legitimate needs will always be present and cry for our attention. Amidst those voices, however, we can keep our focus on Jesus if we put these suggestions into practice. What other suggestions do you have to help us keep our focus on Jesus?

May I pray for you?

Father, thank You for understanding us and the challenges we face while living on this earth. You know the many legitimate needs we face every day and the tension we feel between meeting those needs while trying to keep our focus on Jesus. Please help us figure this out, Lord. We want and need You above all else. In Jesus name, amen.

End your day with a brief meditation to focus your thoughts on God’s character and promises through the night.

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