A Norvell Note for February 8, 2021
Vol. 23 No. 06
It’s About Focus
Take a moment and focus on your fears. COVID-19? The vaccine – getting it, not getting it. Family problems. Being alone. Money problems. Health issues. Political division. Racial unrest. Not having enough to eat. Death.
Now, close your eyes and take some deep, slow breaths.
Now, read this passage, silently and then out loud.
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. [1]
Do the same with these words.
Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you[2]
What did you notice as you were reading? Do you see the contrasts in focus? I have two observations.
When I focus on my resources, I am likely to be afraid, I will become anxious and discouraged, I see my weakness, and I may very well fail.
When I focus on God and accept His help, I do not need to panic because He is with me, I do not need to be anxious, I have His strength, and He keeps me steady.
On any given day, you have countless reasons to be afraid, but you just as many possibilities to change your focus away from your fears and toward the One who will be with you, give you strength, and hold you steady.
It’s about focus.
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[1] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), Is 41:10.
[2] Eugene H. Peterson, The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2005), Is 41:10.