This week, we begin a new series titled ‘The Power of Focus,’ considering how intentional focus shapes our thinking, transforms our lives, and enables us to live out God’s purpose. Philippians 4:8 urges us to filter our thoughts through eight principles of divine thinking, saying, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Saints, divine thoughts lead to divine victories. When we intentionally align our thoughts with God’s Word and truth (John 17:17), we make sound decisions and take purposeful actions. Focusing on the Word renews our minds to the realities therein and transforms us from the inside out (Romans 12:2). So, let us prioritize the Word so we can take every thought captive to the obedience of our Lord, Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Focusing on God’s Word has many benefits, one of which is perfect peace. Isaiah 26:3 declares, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” This peace is not dictated by circumstance, but comes from fixing our minds of God. It cultivates mental and emotional stability, and protects us being tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14). Proverbs 23:7 reminds us that as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. So today, will you choose to focus on whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, full of virtue, and praiseworthy? Romans 8:6 cautions that “to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:6). Carnal distractions are Satan’s way of stealing our joy, killing our belief, and destroying our hope (John 10:10), but walking by the Spirit gives life and peace. So, let us not dwell on past mistakes or long for the life we’ve left behind, thereby losing sight of the joy set before us. This is why Hebrews 11:15 tells that if the Israelites “had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return.” Why? Because what you focus on grows – you are either empowered to forge ahead or pulled back into destructive patterns. We are sensitive beings, so it is crucial that we guard our hearts against the negative influences of our surroundings. 2 Peter 2:7-8 shows us that though Lot was a righteous man, he was “vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked … tormented from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds.” Negative environments and conversations affect us deeply. Negativity, like a seed, grows if left unchecked – deal with it immediately, treating it as the enemy it is. Choose your company wisely, surrounding yourself with godly people who speak life and encourage you to grow in righteousness.
Even in adversity, our focus matters. In John 16:33, the Lord Jesus tells us that we will inevitably face trials and tribulations, but we must fix our eyes on Him, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Acts 7:55-60 recounts how Stephen, even in persecution, focused on heaven and saw the glory of God. Stephen gazed into heaven, a posture that reminds us to focus on where our help comes from. Similarly, when the Israelites were plagued by fiery serpents, they lived by looking at the bronze serpent Moses raised (Numbers 21:8), a foreshadowing of Christ on the cross. This teaches us that as long as we focus on Jesus, we will walk in victory. So, let us focus on God and embrace His Word, allowing it to shape our thoughts and actions, so that we grow and bear much fruit.
Prayer
Lord, teach us to fix our eyes on You and meditate on Your Word. Help us to prioritize truth and walk in it, trusting in You no matter the challenges we face. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
