What is Your Focus?

This is a good question to ask during these days of Covid-19. Many individuals are focused on doing what they need to do to keep themselves and their family members safe such as washing hands, personal distancing, and staying at home. Some companies are focusing on the medical needs of those who have the virus. Others are focused on finding a vaccine for the virus. Still other companies are focusing on providing masks, shields, gowns, ventilators, and other personal protective equipment. All these physical things are important. But if we continue to focus on the troubles of life, that only diverts our attention away from God.

Yes, we need to think about and work on these physical things during the Covid-19 crisis; however, people seem to dismiss, forget, or are clueless concerning focusing on the spiritual dimension of life. The Bible reminds us that there are earthly things and “things above” (heavenly things). It says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). Are earthly things important? Yes, they are. However, we should not focus on earthly things and neglect heavenly things. If we focus on “earthly things” exclusively, we will become miserable and unsatisfied. The words “set your minds” means to concentrate by using your thoughts. It means to think about, place your attention on, and to ponder the things that are heavenly. Other portions of Scripture tell us to “fix our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2) and “fix your thoughts on Jesus” (Hebrews 3:1).

With our minds and thoughts focused on spiritual things we will have God’s strength as we turn to physical things. God says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10). A good question for all of us to consider is, “Do I keep a heavenly perspective when it comes to my focus?

Joy During a Pandemic

With the Covid-19 pandemic, sheltering in place, social distancing, sanitizing activity, washing hands, closing of businesses, people out of work, and other things that have placed our country (and the entire world) in crisis, it is hard to think about being joyful.  In order to find joy some people have tried drugs, others have tried drink, some try music, positive thinking, and some just hunker down in anxiety and fear. Some of these things may bring happiness for a period of time, but they all lead to disappointment. The problem is that people are looking for real joy in the wrong places.

It is possible to have joy during difficult circumstances if a person goes to the right source. Even though the Apostle Paul was sitting in a jail cell he and his companion were “praying and singing hymns to God” (Acts 16:25). How could he do that?  He also could say, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). How could he say that?  During other difficult circumstances, he said, “I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.” (II Corinthians 7:4). How could he be so positive and joyful when experiencing difficulties?

What the Apostle Paul learned was to go to God who is the source of  joy. The psalmist helped point this out when he said, “You (God) make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:11). When we come to God and put our trust in Him, we have found the right source of joy. God gives it to you and me when we have a personal relationship with Him. As a result, the psalmist notes that he was able to “Extol the Lord at all times” (Psalm 34:1). “All times” includes difficulties -- even a pandemic. For real joy God is the right source to whom we should turn.

Impossible ... Or?

The Bible tells us that when the Israelites left Egypt and were about to cross over the Jordan River to enter the land that God had promised them, they feared many things.  The nations in the land were bigger and stronger than they were.  There were huge cities which were fortified with huge walls.  The inhabitants were so tall they were considered giants.  To the Israelites these things would be impossible were it not for one thing – God would go ahead of them.  With God’s strength, power, wisdom, and His promises He would be with them.  They were still fearful, but God gave them this reminder: “Today know this: GOD, your God, is crossing the river ahead of you” (Deuteronomy 9:3).

The Covid-19 pandemic, unemployment, loss of income, isolation from family members, inability to gather in large groups, and many other things are of great concern to us, or at times cause us to fear.  It seems that some of these things are impossible for us to get through.  What a great comfort and assurance it would be to remember that God goes before us, like He did the Israelites, into this “impossible situation.”  The verse tells us (1) The God of all strength goes with you – “God is”; (2) God is a personal God – “Your God”; and (3) God gets involved when we step out in faith.  “Is crossing … ahead of you.”

Don’t let impossibilities get you down.  Turn to God today and let Him help you as you face those impossible things that confront you today.

Handling Fear

Those of you lived through the horrible, tragic events of September 11, 2001 remember the fear that spread through the minds of the people in America.  Most likely fear has been present in your mind during the current COVID-19 virus pandemic.  Many are fearful asking: What will happen to me?  What about my family?  Am I properly sanitizing my home?  Am I staying home?  Am I following the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control?  What about the recommendations of social distancing?  Am I properly washing my hands?  Am I doing all that I can do?

How do people handle fear?  Some people are afraid to do anything.  Others withdraw as if in a cocoon.  Some turn to busyness.  Others turn to habits—be they bad or good.  So, how should we handle fear?  In the Bible, the psalmist offers an alternate solution, which is a far better solution.  He simply said, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you” (Psalm 56:3).  Notice three things from this verse.  (1) There were times when the psalmist was afraid.  (2) The psalmist knew he had to turn somewhere to alleviate his fear. (3) The psalmist identified not just something in which to trust but Someone to trust.  Who is the “you” he mentioned in that Bible verse?  Of course, it is God.  When we are fearful we need to handle our fear the same way the psalmist did.

It is tragic when we turn to something other than the Lord to avoid the pains of reality or cover up a feeling of fear that we are experiencing.  When we turn to God, our Heavenly Father stands ready to help us through our trials, provide the protection we need, and encourages us with His presence and peace.  During these troubling and fearful times, let’s take the advice of the psalmist and trust God.