Psalm 16:18
“I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
Before I had cataract surgery two years ago, I suffered from a severe lack of optical focus. Cloudy vision had become problematic, especially when getting up in the middle of the night and also when driving after dark. Post-surgery, the transformation was remarkable. It was as if my vision had gone from seeing the world with a dim, incandescent light to seeing everything with bright, white LED lighting. Restoring my optical focus was transforming for me.
When it came time to decide on my “Word of the Year” for 2025, the Lord brought to mind “Focus,” and it struck a chord as I sought direction and a way to be intentional as I began working on specific goals for the new year. Coming fresh off a study of Revelation, my primary goal was to keep my eyes firmly fixed in one direction—on Jesus and eternity with Him. I desired to trust Him to direct my heart, my mind, and will in the months to come. In addition, focus would be especially vital as I had hoped to turn my attention towards publishing a devotional book, a goal of paramount importance I had set for last year.
Perhaps you are like me, always seeking a clearer focus to accomplish goals, trusting Jesus and His plan. How can we maintain our focus? Here is a list of helpful instructions from God’s Word that I trust will encourage all of us.
•Let us RID ourselves of any sin that may diminish our focus in running the race:
“Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the [a]originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”(Heb.12:1-2)
•Let us LOOK directly ahead, keeping our focus fixed on Jesus: “Let your eyes look directly ahead, and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.” (Prov. 4:25)
•Let us WATCH the path ahead, staying focused so we do not veer off in the wrong direction: “Watch the path of your feet, and all your ways will be established. Do not turn to the right or to the left; turn your foot from evil.” (Prov.: 4: 26-27)
•Let us PRESS ON towards the prize: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:14)
I had no idea that God was preparing me to walk a different path in 2025, which took me on a deeper, more dependent faith walk, clothed with life-altering, chronic pain. Focusing on externals became less important than my need to keep my eyes firmly fixed on my Savior, to whom I clung with all my strength just to manage each day. Some of the lessons I learned will be shared in a future devotion.
Whether you have chosen the word “focus” this year or another word to inspire you, may this new year result in greater love for Jesus, His Word, more trust in His plan, and an increase in longing for eternity. Let us keep our eyes on Jesus!
Dear Heavenly Father, as we step into another new year with many unknowns ahead, may our eyes be firmly fixed on You to make our steps faithful, prayerful, humble, watchful, and determined. More than anything, may our eyes focus on eternity, not on things of this earth, to bring honor and glory to You and Your Son, Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.
I am honored that you have read my devotion today, and I pray it encourages you and glorifies God. To receive the devotions in your mailbox every day, go to the homepage and simply click on “Subscribe.”
When it came time to decide on my “Word of the Year” for 2025, the Lord brought to mind “Focus,” and it struck a chord as I sought direction and a way to be intentional as I began working on specific goals for the new year. Coming fresh off a study of Revelation, my primary goal was to keep my eyes firmly fixed in one direction—on Jesus and eternity with Him. I desired to trust Him to direct my heart, my mind, and will in the months to come. In addition, focus would be especially vital as I had hoped to turn my attention towards publishing a devotional book, a goal of paramount importance I had set for last year.
Perhaps you are like me, always seeking a clearer focus to accomplish goals, trusting Jesus and His plan. How can we maintain our focus? Here is a list of helpful instructions from God’s Word that I trust will encourage all of us.
•Let us RID ourselves of any sin that may diminish our focus in running the race:
“Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the [a]originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”(Heb.12:1-2)
•Let us LOOK directly ahead, keeping our focus fixed on Jesus: “Let your eyes look directly ahead, and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.” (Prov. 4:25)
•Let us WATCH the path ahead, staying focused so we do not veer off in the wrong direction: “Watch the path of your feet, and all your ways will be established. Do not turn to the right or to the left; turn your foot from evil.” (Prov.: 4: 26-27)
•Let us PRESS ON towards the prize: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:14)
I had no idea that God was preparing me to walk a different path in 2025, which took me on a deeper, more dependent faith walk, clothed with life-altering, chronic pain. Focusing on externals became less important than my need to keep my eyes firmly fixed on my Savior, to whom I clung with all my strength just to manage each day. Some of the lessons I learned will be shared in a future devotion.
Whether you have chosen the word “focus” this year or another word to inspire you, may this new year result in greater love for Jesus, His Word, more trust in His plan, and an increase in longing for eternity. Let us keep our eyes on Jesus!
Dear Heavenly Father, as we step into another new year with many unknowns ahead, may our eyes be firmly fixed on You to make our steps faithful, prayerful, humble, watchful, and determined. More than anything, may our eyes focus on eternity, not on things of this earth, to bring honor and glory to You and Your Son, Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.
I am honored that you have read my devotion today, and I pray it encourages you and glorifies God. To receive the devotions in your mailbox every day, go to the homepage and simply click on “Subscribe.”
