Bible Study Focus: “Focus on God Instead of Your Problems”
When we are in a crisis, human nature often compels us to dwell on the problem.
Modern psychology confirms a powerful truth: the more a person focuses continuously on a problem, the more it will grow. And the more a problem consumes our minds, the more damage it does to our peace.
But if we take a break from our disturbing thoughts and focus on God, the problem stops growing. Our minds can focus on one thought at a time. So when we shift our thoughts from the crisis to the One who can help us, we experience a God-given peace. The issue is not whether the problem is real; the issue is where we choose to focus our eyes.
The God Who Draws Near
In times of distress, it may feel as if God is distant. But the truth is, God is just as close in our times of crises as He is in our times of peace. In fact, He is often closer in a crisis—not because He moves, but because when we panic, that panic drives us to seek God. When trouble surrounds us, we must draw near to our Creator.
The Storm and the Savior
Consider the disciples caught in a storm on the ship. Jesus came walking on the water. When Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he stepped out of the boat and walked on the water in peace. But the moment Peter took his eyes off Jesus to look at the storm (the problem and crisis), he panicked and began to sink. The storm had not changed; Peter’s focus had.
Daniel is another clear picture of this principle. He spent an entire night surrounded by lions. If he had fixed his attention on those beasts, he would not have slept. He would have crouched in a corner, trying to protect himself. But Daniel’s confidence was in the God who sent him there. He looked upward toward God, not at the lions.
Shifting Your Focus
When a young lady keeps her eyes on her heartache or burden, it grows larger. She feels less confident and more overwhelmed. But when she gives her mind a break and thinks about something else—specifically, the greatness of God and his ability to calm our storm—the problem stops growing. It loses its grip.
When we are facing a crisis, human nature dictates that we fixate on the problem. Modern psychology confirms a powerful truth: if a person focuses continuously on a crisis, it grows. It consumes our minds and can even destroy our peace. But if we take a break from our thoughts and focus on something else, the problem stops growing. The issue is not whether the problem is real; the issue is where we choose to focus our eyes.
God operates according to unchanging principles. He does not change to fit a person’s mood. Place your focus on him and receive his peace.
Keep in mind that if what we fear is the result of sin, we must first get right with God before we can experience peace. We must seek forgiveness from the Lord and repent.
When we keep our eyes on the Lord, we look to the One who has authority over the storm, the lions, and every crisis we will ever face.
Fix your mind on Him today, and He will keep you in perfect peace.