Focus by Aije Barnes, Jan 2, Issue 1 Vol 6

Happy New Year! I have so much to share with you and hope to do so, by God's Grace, in good time. 

But first, I will share with you in this ministration, a very important topic on my heart, called 'focus'. 

One definition of focus is: to bring all efforts, faculties, activities, etc., to bear on one thing or activity (often followed by on or upon ): to concentrate on solving a problem.

Why Focus?

This topic came to me strongly over the Christmas period and remains on my heart to share with you, as we have just entered into the new year. 

New Years typically start with new resolutions, dreams, hopes or ambitions. I feel st this time of the year there is a sense of 'l have to or would like to do this or that',  'go here or there', buy this or that', 'achieve this or that' , 'am worried about this or that ' and the list goes on and on. Some are spoiled for choice through having so much to choose from and not knowing what to go for, whilst others aren't as fortunate and through lack of not much of a choice, are filled with so much anxiety on how they will survive. Both these categories of people are easily distracted and find themselves not being able to focus. 

An unfocused person tends to be unstable and achieve very little. They are usually disorganised, unsatisfied, and unhappy. 

What you focus on, determines how important it is to you, your priorities and how successful you will be in achieving your goals. 

Consider the type of focus a man walking on a tight rope should have or a person on a competitive race course.  Both of them have their specific goals and would have had a vision of what success looks like and with this in mind, made plans and preparations before setting their feet on the tight rope or race track. 

Imagine, what if the tight rope walker got distracted by the birds or beautiful scenery around him or the athlete got distracted by the spectators or his fellow athletes, will they achieve their goals?

So what sort of attitude should they have?

The bible says: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. 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 ‭NIV‬‬

The story of Many and Martha also comes to mind. Here's the story: “She (Martha) had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed — or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke‬ ‭10:39-42‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Irrespective of what your starting point or current situation is, this new year, let us choose to be like Mary, who sat at the feet of Jesus and listen to what he wants us to do. He is the Good Shepherd - read  Psalms 23 and meditate on what this truly means to you. Jesus is that Shepherd. Know his voice, be still, hear him and let him speak to you before you take the next step. 

Shalom