Why Our Focus Is So Vital - Carla D Burnette
With all the chaos, uncertainty and negativity portrayed in the media, it is difficult to not get swept up in it. We may find ourselves overwhelmed, fearful or anxious when we focus on the circumstances around us.
The alternative is to fix our eyes on God and lay all our concerns before Him, focusing on who He is rather than all the negativity. Our God is the ultimate authority and in full control, the omnipotent and omniscient One. He watches over us, fully aware of all that transpires, and acts on our behalf even though we cannot perceive it. Fixing our eyes on God requires intentionality, so we don’t succumb to fear over situations occurring in this world. This is why our focus is so vital.
Let’s turn to the Bible for a story that demonstrates the significance of our focus. This particular story is found in Numbers 13-14.
Choosing What to Focus On
Twelve Israelite men were sent to scout the land of Canaan which is the territory God promised to give the Israelites. They found it to be a land flowing with milk and honey just as God described (Exodus 3:8). But ten of the scouts were frightened by the tremendous size of the men who lived in the region. Their fear led them to doubt Israel’s ability to conquer the land.
However, two of the scouts, named Joshua and Caleb, thought differently. Caleb attempted to reassure the Israelites by urging them to “go up and take possession of the land because we can certainly conquer it!” (Numbers 13:30). The people were not convinced, for they began to grumble and complain.
Joshua and Caleb then warned the people, “Only don’t rebel against the LORD, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land, for we will devour them. Their protection has been removed from them, and the LORD is with us. Don’t be afraid of them!” (Numbers 14:9). Unfortunately, the Israelites refused to listen and even threatened to stone Joshua and Caleb.
Consequence of Focusing on Circumstances
Due to the Israelites’ unbelief and unwillingness to conquer the territory, they had to wait 40 long years before entering the promised land. They wandered in the wilderness one year for each day the twelve men scouted the region of Canaan.
Additionally, the ten “men who brought back a negative report about the land were struck down by the LORD. Only Joshua and Caleb remained alive of those men who went to scout the land” (Numbers 14:37-38).
From this story, we see that only two men believed their all-powerful God would provide the victory. Everyone else focused on what they saw, the situation in front of them, and submitted to fear. Their fear paralyzed them and resulted in disobedience to the Lord. They lacked the courage to move ahead and face the people living in Canaan even though God promised the Israelites this territory.
Scripture Tells Us What to Focus On
Scripture instructs us "not to focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).
Focusing on the unseen enables us to “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). This is why our focus is so vital.
Learning From Joshua and Caleb
Joshua and Caleb are examples of how to walk by faith. They did not keep their focus on the intimidating stature of the inhabitants, but determined to focus on their all-powerful God and His promise of giving them the land of Canaan. Let’s learn further from Joshua and Caleb, so we may imitate their example.
First, they both knew their God and trusted He would fulfill His promise. We come to know God by spending time with Him and reading His Word daily. For God reveals His character, His promises and His commands through His Word. The more we know our God and His Word, the more we will trust Him.
Second, they were alert to any thought that did not align with God’s Word and refused to dwell on such thoughts. Despite the strong inhabitants of the land, they had no reason to fear, for they knew God was with them. Like Joshua and Caleb, we stay vigilant “to take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5) and choose to dwell on whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, morally excellent and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).
Third, they stood firm in their faith, in spite of the opposition from the Israelites. We remain steadfast in our faith by putting on the armor of God: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit and our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:10-17).
Maintaining Our Focus
Friends, spending time in the Word, taking every thought captive and putting on the armor of God all require intentionality, but are essential to maintain our focus on God.
Fixing our eyes on the Lord and trusting in His Word empowers us to walk by faith, so that we don’t succumb to fear. This is why our focus is so vital.
Father, thank You for Your Word that shows us how we are to live, and for the examples You have given to encourage us to press on in our walk of faith. Help us to keep our focus upon You and not on circumstances around us. May Your Spirit bring Scriptures to our mind that we can cling to in time of need. We desire to stand strong in our faith like Joshua and Caleb, for we want to glorify you. We love You and honor You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
** Click HERE to receive FREE PRINTABLE Bible verse cards to combat fear when you subscribe to my newsletter.
Questions for Reflection:
- Do I tend to focus on what I see, the circumstances before me?
- How often do I allow fear to paralyze me?
- Am I prone to grumble and complain about negative situations?
- What action step(s) can I take to shift my focus on the unseen?
Additional Scripture References:
2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment” (CSB).
I Corinthians 16:13, “Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong” (CSB).
