I’ve lost focus…
Whether or not you are an expert photographer, with top-of-the-line equipment and fully understand ISO, we all know the experience of a shot that is out of focus. It’s disappointing when the beauty of the moment is missed or the face you want to remember is no longer the focal point of the scene. Just as focus is important in photography, so it is in our personal lives. A life without it lacks direction and purpose and possibly vitality and joy.
There have been seasons in my life where I have lost focus completely. I knew where I was headed and believed God was steering my direction; I was excited to get moving in it. But when a sudden barricade blocked the path, I faltered. It caused in me in a state of paralysis that derailed my focus and energy. All I could see was the obstacle, and it became the object of my fierce gaze. With it came anger, bitterness, resentment and the inability to move toward the original goal. I lost focus on what was right and became hyper-aware of what stood in my way. That was necessary for a time, but it caused me to sit in the ditch for too long. I struggled in every way – mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. It has been an arduous climb out to walk on the path again.
How about you?
As you hear me tell part of my story, what comes to mind? Where have you lost focus? Do you know how it feels to be cruising along, seeing everything 20/20 when suddenly you are blindsided and lose all focus? Maybe it was a diagnosis for yourself or a loved one? Maybe an affair or failed marriage. What about COVID? Have you lost focus in faith without the church community to surround you? Or maybe you are like me and have become hyper-aware of the obstacle and lost sight of what the original goal even is! I understand how easily it happens, but how difficult it can be to regain the clarity you long for. I would love to hear your story.
Just as with photography, where many elements factor into a pristine shot, so there are many pieces to your story as well. If only it was as easy as pushing auto-focus and all would self-correct! You and I are complex, with many layers of emotion, cognition, experience and belief. Each of these play a role in our ability to focus, but let me ask you this: what is most important to you? Do you want to feel a certain way? Are you looking for vindication? Are you waiting for someone to do something that will make everything clear again? Hoping for the miraculous? I can clearly see now that I was waiting to be shown right, for my perspective to be the only one. That arrogance only brought more pain and confusion. I needed humility to see beyond myself.
What does Scripture have to say?
For our purposes today, let’s go to the Word of God, the Bible, to understand more on a spiritual level. My belief, is when we have focus in that realm, we tend to find clarity in the rest.
- And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3)
- You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (Isaiah 26:3)
- Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:2)
- But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14)
- Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
- Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. (Proverbs 4:25)
As I read those very familiar verses, there is a portion of my heart that wants to roll my eyes with a ‘blah, blah, blah’. Forgive me if that is offensive to you, but I have felt that way in the face of truth. Have you? I don’t want to embrace the conviction or necessary change truth brings. It hurts and it can be painfully difficult.
But what does it actually say?
If you have been around faith and the Christian community for any length of time, you have likely been told to ‘trust Jesus!’ Please don’t hear that I am saying the opposite, but when said as a platitude without care or understanding, these words feel trite and even condescending. Learning how to trust Jesus in the face of my roadblock has been the biggest challenge of all. It is not a simple request, but it holds the power to radically shift your perspective when you have lost focus.
The verses above promise difficulty. Life is a long race in which we will experience pain, exhaustion and trouble. There are obstacles that will grab our attention and threaten to take our eyes from the goal. That sounds bleak doesn’t it? But look at the good if we do not lose focus:
- we will not grow weary and lose heart
- we will know peace coupled with a steadfast mind
- eternity with Jesus awaits us
That sounds better than sitting in the ditch, doesn’t it? Let me say that my journey with these concepts was not overnight success and yours may not be either. It takes one foot in front of the other, believing God’s way is better than mine EVERY time. It required me to let go of my desire to be affirmed and trust that God will make things right in His way, in His time. I needed to accept the roadblock’s existence (not agree with it or condone it) and learn to go around it. God has graciously taught me that nothing is too big for Him and He knows the way. It’s up to me to believe Him and get moving in His direction again!
What now?
So, how do you move from here? In a world where productivity and success are king, it feels like there should be a 10-step checklist at this point. Google will provide many for you but I do want to leave you with some practical ideas in addition to the conversation above.
- Be honest with yourself, God and others. Evaluate where you have lost focus and invite God to show you what needs to change. Be willing to own your part of the problem.
- Learn to be still and rest in the presence of God. This brings perspective and reminds us that, as followers of Jesus, life is not about us!
- Plan small, measurable steps to regain lost focus.
- Take care of the basics – nothing makes us foggy headed and unable to cope faster than a lack of sleep, exercise and healthy eating.
- Minimize distractions. In photo and video editing, it’s called noise. What is the ‘noise’ in your life that is causing you to lose focus? What can you cut back on or eliminate altogether?
- Seek help. Coaching is a great way to find clarity again. Together, we can evaluate where you have lost focus and work at establishing a healthy plan moving forward. If you feel therapy is better suited, Mercy Seat Ministry is what I recommend.
Lord, thank you for your patience with us when we lose focus. Please help us fix our eyes on you, and learn humility before you. We need you and want to walk your way. Help us trust you where it feels almost impossible.
