Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Colossians 3:2
I have one question to ask you before you start reading this blog, where is your focus? What are you focusing on right now? Just reflect on this question for a little bit.
So, over the past few weeks I have been struggling with a spiritual battle but throughout it I have felt the presence of God in an abundant way. One day I was really unhappy but the Holy Spirit placed a question upon me and said; ‘Lois, where is your focus?’ Is it on the things of the world, things you are going through or is it on Jesus? The pioneer and perfecter of your faith?’ I knew that I had been looking directly at the battle and that my eyes weren't on the one who set me free and gave me new life. Rather than focusing on Jesus, I was focused on the wrong thing, the battle. All because of the devil placing a certain perspective in my mind.
‘Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.’
Romans 12:2
Another thought the Holy spirit placed in my mind that day was that...
‘The devil will place a false perspective in your mind about life to take you away from the future blessings God has for you.’
This is exactly what the devil wants to do in our trials and storms is to take our eyes of Jesus by questioning what we are going through and why it is happening to us. But with all our strength we must not let it happen, because the only reason why the devil does this is to take our eyes away from the future blessings and plans God has for us.
God's plan for each of us is beautiful and just for us. No one has the same life, yes things may be similar, but God has placed us where we are for such a time as this. He knows what we need even before we do. Therefore, we should not allow the devil to steer us to focus on the wrong things that don't endure beautiful growth and allow us to flourish.
Perspective
Perspective is having a particular attitude towards or way of regarding something; a point of view. The way we grow up, the things we look at, the things we do, all help us form a point of view on things. Not just in life, but in everything. Perspectives involve opinions, depending on how we view something, that then gives us reason to share how we think it should be. We come to have our own view of things and having perspective is important but not as imperative as to where our focus is.
Focus
Focus means the centre of interest, the state or quality of having or producing clear visual definition. What we view and what we do should all be led by our focus. When we focus on the wrong things, spiritually we know it's not right through the Holy Spirit and God’s word. Focusing on the right things always makes us feel happy and content. Therefore, our focus should always be on Jesus. Focusing and keeping out eyes on Him is what we must do as His followers and children of God. Nothing else should be in the way of that because it is not life giving like Jesus is.
The true focus of Jesus and the truth, hope and love he brings will always conquer evil! Love always wins!
The difference of perspective and focus.
Perspective is made from one's own point of view. Depending on the circumstances, you can change your perspective on what you see fit for your mind. Perspectives can change over time. Something you once saw as something can be changed depending on where you situate yourself. For example, you can view a place as great until a year or so later change your mind. Hence, perspectives are not good because you don’t see the full picture. They are tapid.
This is how the devil places lies in our mind. He places certain perspectives in our mind of how we see things. Hence why it is so important to make sure that what we see does not affect us the way the devil wants it to. This is where focus comes in.
Focus is something that is strong, confirmed, and not shaky. Focus is all about trust and hope. Having the right focus is more important as perspective. Focusing on the right things will allow you to grow and to flourish. Therefore, by focusing on Jesus, the devil will always lose and will never get his own way because Jesus is the light. When we look to Jesus, things change. Jesus can change our perspectives and mend our focus.
Focusing on Jesus is one of the greatest delights of my heart and mind. I hope it’s yours too!
So, keep your focus and your eyes on Jesus. Give Him your heart. You won’t regret it, He will help you in abundant ways and He will never ever leave you, nor forsake you. He loves you and cheers you on in the race called life.
Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2
God bless,
Lois (Founder of The Art of Everyday blog.)
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