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“My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.” Job 42:5 (ESV)

Lots of things grab our attention, and if we are really honest it’s not only our attention that’s at stake it’s our affections as well. It’s the marketing strategy that’s worked forever. What entices our gaze usually ends up fueling our desires as well. Exactly why commercials work. That pizza commercial on rotation leaves my stomach growling and my mouth watering despite the fact I just had dinner. We see something and see it again within a few hours and by the end of the night, we’re convinced we really need it.

Sounds all too familiar doesn’t it? Our affections are easily swayed in this world. Too many seemingly harmless stimulators vying for our attention. Yet if we are not careful where our gaze lands, we can find ourselves discontented and feeling less than in a flash. Worse yet, we can find our closet full of things we really didn’t need, because our affections are easily misplaced.

Perhaps this is why God chose the word “focus” for my year. I totally didn’t get it when January unveiled it, yet today there is not a doubt within me that God was preparing, securing and positioning me for the year ahead. As challenges and tragedies plagued those wintry days of February, I was reminded of how crucial my gaze was to not just my survival but my ability to thrive in the hard places.

We’ve all landed there – moments when life seems unbearable, uncertain and unplanned. And the temptation is to simply survive the next hour while gravitating toward anything that will give us some quick relief. Yet out of the depths of God’s loving kindness, He gently reminds us that maintaining our focus on Him is crucial and non-negotiable.

Hard places can be transformational places when we keep our gaze fixed on God. When we choose to pivot away from overwhelming circumstances and trust His strength, sovereignty and love to carry us through, we find ourselves standing strong even if our knees are wobbly. When we surround ourselves with God’s faithful word and cling to His promises even in the midst of desperation, we find He is trustworthy and true. And suddenly before we even realize it, He has our heart. The seed of our focus moves from sight to heart, and we feel loved and cherished.

Don’t know about you sweet friend, but the lover of my soul is none other than our Creator God who has met me at every hard place. Whether its loss, heartache or brokenness never has He failed me, discarded me or overlooked me. God has forever been good to me and continues to hold my unshakeable focus. And just in case you’re wondering, you don’t have to wait for hard to pivot your gaze, He alone is worthy of our complete devotion. Eyes focused on Him always births a heart that is forever His.

“Jesus, You are our sweet shepherd – there is nothing that we need.  Your loving kindness surrounds us, and Your strength enables us to journey through the hardest places. What deep joys are found in Your presence.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life