What Does The Bible Say About Focus? A Christian Study

by Crystal McDowell · Print Print · Email Email

Distraction is the nemesis of focus. We are constantly tempted to pull away from a consistent focus on Christ. As a result, we often find ourselves being tossed to and fro by the concerns of life.

Keeping focus on Christ means that we’re purposefully fading out everything that pulls us away from connecting with Him. It’s a disciplined lifestyle of choosing to see every blessing and struggle through the lens of Christ. How can we stay focused in a world of busyness?

Focus on God

“Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame” (Psalm 34:5). 

Have you ever been in the company of someone who makes time with God a priority? There’s a certain radiance in their attitude, prayers, and overall outlook on life. Their investment of focusing intently on God instead of their circumstances magnifies His glory on their lives. Seek after the Lord first in your day with a precision-like focus on His presence.

Focus on eternal life

“…we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). 

It’s so easy to get caught up into the cares of this world and neglect the hope we have in the next one. There’s nothing wrong with being involved and engaged in politics, work-related issues, family demands, or community concerns. Our problems arise when we let them take so much ground in our lives that we forget this place isn’t our home. Pray that God will renew an expectancy of eternal life that will release the pressure of worldly concerns.

Focus on things above

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). 

At the present moment, Jesus Christ is seated at the right hand of God interceding for you and everyone who belongs to Him. Many times we pray through times of difficulty and it feels like our trials will never change. Not only does the Lord motivate other believers to pray for you, Jesus our Lord is praying for you as well. Every time you pray remember that the Lord is praying along with you that God’s will be done.

Focus on the right path

“Set your heart on the right path” (Proverbs 23:19).

“Set your heart on the right path” (Proverbs 23:19).

Every day there are different paths for us to take. We choose daily the paths of righteousness or unrighteousness. Sometimes the right path is filled with uncertainty (does God really hear my prayers?), risk (does God really want me to go this way), or potential disruption (how is this all going to work out?). Yet if we trust in the Lord…He will surely lead us to the right way. It’s our responsibility to choose the right thing even if it brings pain.

Focus on His decrees

“My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end” (Psalm 119:112).

A careful and deliberate study into God’s word will always realign our focus with His will. The scriptures can direct our attention towards the spiritual gaps. Many times our busyness hardens our hearts to the realities of our shortcomings and sinful ways. However by allowing the penetration of God’s sword (the Bible), our vision is softened and we see more clearly the way of the Lord. Study the Bible with greater diligence than any other activity of your day.

Focus our thoughts on Jesus

“Fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest” (Hebrews 3:1). 

Our minds are constantly bombarded with thoughts about ourselves, work, family, friends, finances, and much more. Even when we determine to pray and study the scriptures—our minds can float away to other places rendering our time with God as fruitless. It is when we discipline our mind to focus on Jesus and what He has done in order that we may have eternal life—we are changed. Pay attention to when your thoughts wander and ask the Lord to help you discipline your mind.

Focus on grace

“Set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming” (1 Peter 1:13). 

Sometimes when we have a good streak of religious activity such as serving at our church, fasting over a period of time, spending rich moments in prayer or Bible study—we can be tempted to forget about grace. We may start to feel a little proud of ourselves for being so faithful to God without focusing on how He gives the grace for us to do it. It’s God’s unmerited favor on our lives that gives us the ability to do works of righteousness. Take a moment to reflect on His rich grace on your life and give thanks to God for it.

Focus our eyes on Jesus

“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:2). 

As believers, we are running on the track of life towards our Savior. He is at the finishing line with a great group of witnesses on the sidelines cheering us forward. Those who run in races recognize the value of focusing on crossing that finish line. Those who are distracted by the crowds, weather, or other runners tend to lose their speed costing them the race. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus in spite of the storms and trials that want to consume our attention.

Focus…Focus…Focus 

Wearing eyeglasses helps many of us see more clearly. Otherwise our world would look like a blurry mess. Focusing on the Lord instead our needs or wants takes great discipline. We must be willing to lay aside our fears, worries, or anything that seeks to drain us of hope in Christ. He knows what we need and when we must absolutely have it. Our focus should and always remain grounded in faith that God is in control. Take some time today to clean your spiritual glasses so you can see more clearly the Lord who loves you unconditionally.

Read Crystal’s personal testimony here: He’s Not Done with Me Yet

Resource – New International Version Bible, The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblca, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.



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