shift your focus

Colossians 3:1-2 (King James Version)

 1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Often, we invest too much time and energy fixating on the challenges we face in our lives. We can easily waste hours concentrating on what isn’t going well and attempting to find solutions. This focus can significantly affect our daily lives, impacting our attitudes, behaviors, decisions, and interactions with others.

The other day, I found myself guilty of exactly that. My thoughts spiraled over a situation that wasn’t unfolding as I had hoped. Anxiety and frustration crept in, and I could feel the ripple effect—how my inner turmoil was spilling into the rest of my day. But then, in a moment of clarity, the words “shift your focus” came to mind. I realized that if I could redirect my attention—especially toward God—there could be a real transformation in my spirit.

God promises us a peace that surpasses all understanding, but it begins with where we place our focus. When we meditate on Him instead of our circumstances, we invite that peace into our lives.

Peter is a powerful example of what happens when we shift our focus from our problems to trusting God. In Matthew 14, we read about Peter walking on water toward Jesus. He was doing fine until he shifted his focus to the boisterous wind and became afraid, fearing he would drown. This is exactly what happens when we magnify our problems, making them bigger than they are, rather than trusting in the miraculous power of God. I'm not saying our problems will vanish, but by focusing on God's presence, we can experience His peace and joy and draw closer to Him.

Life has its peaks and valleys, but we can overcome them by focusing on the positive rather than dwelling on what's not working. When Peter shifted his focus and trusted Jesus, he was no longer afraid of sinking. The water was still there, but his fear of inadequacy vanished. He knew that with God, all things are possible. Similarly, when we trust God with every aspect of our lives, we can experience His peace, even amid our challenges.

When we choose to devote time to this inner shift—focusing on our values, relationships, and spiritual growth—we begin to discern what no longer serves us. We create room for clarity, intentionality, and, most importantly, the peace that only God can give.

Reflection:

What areas of your life are contributing to your anxiety or restlessness? In those moments, how can you intentionally shift your focus back to God?

In our fast-paced world, it's so easy to get caught up in noise and distraction. Our minds are constantly pulled in different directions, making it difficult to stay grounded in what truly matters.

Stillness invites us to pause, breathe deeply, and become present. In doing so, we make space for divine guidance. Focus is a choice—a deliberate decision to quiet the noise and fix our attention on what is true, good, and purposeful.

Prayer,

God, we thank You for being who You are in our lives—a constant source of trust and guidance. Sometimes, the worries and challenges of life overwhelm us, but we ask that You help us to redirect our thoughts and meditate on You. Please fill us with Your peace and lead us through our struggles. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Be Blessed!

Harriet Lane