Focus On Jesus First.
Carol says we should focus on Jesus first each day and allow him to help us through whatever happens next.
Puzzle Games
I play several word-puzzle games on my phone to pass the time. There are days they try and grab more of my attention than I am willing to give them. Yet they come in handy while waiting for supper to cook or for an appointment time to arrive.
Putting a picture puzzle together is not my strong suit nor does it relax me. Number puzzles I avoid for they add to my anxiety and frustration. Yet simple crosswords, scrabble, and word search style puzzles intrigue me and can help me waste too much time.
Word Search Puzzle
One morning I decided to open a word search puzzle on my phone. I read the list of words that remained hidden in the jumble of letters. They might be up and down, side to side, or even diagonal. My eyes roamed across the screen, searching for a starting point. The letters jumbled together and I couldn’t pinpoint one single word. After pausing a moment or two, I adjusted my focus. Pick out one starting letter or a combination of letters within a word that might not be as common. Now as I scanned the puzzle page, I looked for a something more specific than just any of the words popping out at me.
As I scrambled to find the dozen words on the small screen, I frustrated myself by constantly having to refocus so the letters from one word at a time popped out. Why, I wondered did I have so much trouble at that particular time? I know it has happened a few times where I thought the puzzle so easy, I could just circle the words quickly and get on to another task. Yet each time I needed more focus and not on the puzzle as a whole, but specific letters.
Thinking About Focus
Long after that puzzle and a few more had been completed, I thought about focus. Sometimes the puzzle pieces of our lives blur together. It becomes difficult to pick out which one to work on. We wonder how some will fit into the overall picture. We might shake our heads, get overwhelmed, or even want to throw up our hands in defeat. What we need is focus but not just any focus.
God created us. He loves us more than anyone else ever can or will and He knows exactly how each puzzle piece needs to fit together at any given time in our lives. He knows all about us. Psalm 139: 13, 14 tells us,
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
But as we trust God’s love, we need to also remember to focus on Jesus to make sense of these mixed-up puzzle pieces of life so we don’t give up. Hebrews 12: 1-3 gives us great advice.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Focus During Life’s Puzzles
When I look at the entirety of a word-search puzzle, I can’t find any words from the list, or not very easily. Yet when I pick one word at a time and focus on those letters, or even a couple of them, the word pops out no matter which direction it faces. The difference in making sense of the puzzle is focus.
In the puzzle of life, I get weary at times of trying to figure out how things are supposed to work. Oh, there are some pieces that just fall into place – maybe from habit if nothing else. I can make a grocery list and buy what I need. I can make a meal once I put my mind to figuring out what to make on any given day. But those times of struggles with health or finances or relationships can overwhelm. Then I know I can’t do it on my own. Yet each day I should focus first on Jesus and then allow him to help me through whatever happens next.
How do you think you are creative? We would love to hear from you. Comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.
Carol Harrison
Listen to Carol’s program Puzzle Pieces Of Life or visit Carol’s website carolscorner.ca
Carol Harrison B.Ed is a speaker and published author with one book, Amee’s Story and stories in twelve anthologies. She is passionate about helping people of all ages and ability levels find their voice and reach their fullest potential.
She knows, through personal experience that some of life’s experiences are tougher than others. She encourages people that even in the twists and turns of life God’s amazing grace provides hope.
She lives in Saskatoon, SK with her husband Brian. They have four adult children and a dozen grandchildren.
More Podcasts Below:
More Blogs
Why Did Jesus Say “I Am the Bread of Life”
Images courtesy of:
Hiker in Forest – MichaelGaida
Woman with smartphone – Emma Watson
Leave a Reply