Greensburg Daily News, Greensburg, IN

Columns

January 11, 2013

A positive minute: Got focus?

Dr. Michael Layne Greensburg Daily News

Greensburg — It has been said, “Losers focus on what they are going through. Winners focus on what they are going to.”

Where are you in the mix of things?

Something I have noticed over the years of counseling ministry, has been the attitude some have come into my office with. They come with pain, hurt and lack of direction. Most often, we discover what one of the problems is: the person has a FOCUS problem.

Let’s consider this in a practical matter. Some of us have found that we are at that stage in life when our arms aren’t long enough to read the paper or bible. In other words, we need some glasses. Things appear blurry. That is the way some are viewing life. It is out of focus and they need to get some corrective measures in their life.

I guarantee you that if a person will spend as much time in prayer as they do focusing on their current problems they will become winners not whiners. A tradition that has been lost among many Christian groups is the act of Adoration following Holy Communion. We are living in such a hustle bustle life that we must move on from the church as soon as the Benediction is given. When is the last time you stayed after that Benediction and just spent time before the Lord’s table and focused on the reason for the church and its existence?

Focus is so important. As long as we are focused on Our Lord we will find ourselves winners. Remember the story of Peter? He saw the Lord walking on the water and he gets out of the boat and he, to, is walking on the water. What happened when he got his eyes off the Lord and looked down? He started to sink, but the Lord reached down and picked him up.

Focus on who gives you strength to do the impossible. Make a decision for quality. You may have trusted in the Lord, but you have taken your eyes off of the source, so, now you have felt yourself going under, so to speak, and it has shifted your focus. Make a quality decision, right now, to focus on the Lord who is your provider.

Please keep in mind that we decide our habits and those habits decide our future. What do you want in life? It doesn’t matter how old or young you are. It is never too late or too early to begin to decide your future. What do you do with your time? Who do you spend time with?

Decide your focus today. The Bible says, “Think on these things;” The God kind of things.

After all, we were made in His image. We are His creation, so it would seem the smart thing to do is to focus on God.

Spending a couple of minutes thinking about God is not enough time out of your waking hours to know His will for your life. Spend some quality quiet time with Him. Give Him an opportunity to speak to you. Spend quiet time before Him.

I assure you that if you spend time in prayer and time in quiet before the Lord you will find your clear focus for life. Try it. You’ll like it!

 

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