What comes to mind when you think of the word "focus?" Do you think of something you need to focus on? Does someone who stays focused well come to mind? Do you think of the definition of the word? Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines focus as "to concentrate attention or effort" or "to adjust one's eye to a particular range." This definition makes it clear: focus means making an effort to set our attention on one particular thing. If we want to truly focus, we must focus on that one thing and nothing else. It is impossible to focus on two different things. We cannot have divided attention if we want to focus entirely. This is particularly true when it comes to our faith.
Josiah set an example for us of staying focused on what truly matters. He was a remarkable king who took the throne at eight years old. For his entire reign, Scripture says that he "did not turn away from doing what was right" (2 Kings 22:2b). Josiah stayed focused. He kept his eyes focused on God and never wavered. Because of this, he had a different reputation than his grandfather and father, who will forever be known as kings who "did evil in the Lord's sight" (2 Kings 21:20). His focus on God impacted everything he did.
We also read about the importance of staying focused on Jesus in Hebrews. The writer of Hebrews encourages us to "run with endurance the race God has set before us" (verse 1). He then explained that "we do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith" (verse 2). If we want to stay focused, these verses clarify that we must keep our eyes on Jesus. When we keep our eyes on Jesus, we remember why we are running the race He has called us to and remember that Jesus Himself is the treasure that we are running toward. When we keep our eyes on Jesus, we will stay the course He has set before us without drifting.
The good news about focus is that we can decide where to focus our eyes and mind. It may be difficult at times, but we can decide if we will focus on God or the circumstances, people, or struggles around us, and where we focus our attention determines the direction that we will go. So, what are you setting your focus on today? How is that focus impacting the direction that you are going? Do you need to shift your focus back to God today? It's never too late to look to Him as we run our race of faith.
We cannot focus when we have divided attention. Is there something that has shifted your focus and become a distraction that has kept you from keeping your eyes on Jesus? If so, what is that area? What would it look like to take one step toward letting go of that area and turning it over to Him? Take that step today, but remember to turn to Christ for help as you strive to keep your eyes entirely focused on Him.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up. 4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.
5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said,
"My child, don't make light of the Lord's discipline,
and don't give up when he corrects you.
6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes each one he accepts as his child."
7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? 8 If God doesn't discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. 9 Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn't we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?
10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening-it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong."
