*Photo – taken late one evening at Mjejane with my iPhone.

The other day I realised my focus had become darkened.

I often battle by focusing on what is wrong, instead of focusing on what is right. I find myself dwelling on what irritates me instead of the many things that bring me joy. I focus on what could have been done better instead of appreciating what had already been done well.

It’s amazing how one negative thought can overshadow a hundred blessings.

Jesus said something that has often made me stop and think:

“Therefore, consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more…” (Luke 8:18)

The more I reflect on those words, the more I realise that what I choose to focus on seems to grow. When I focus on God’s goodness, I see more of it. If I focus more on all the ‘right’ things, I start seeing less of the ‘wrong’ things.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us:

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'” (Hebrews 13:5)

I believe the key is contentment. Then comes the incredible promise: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Perhaps that is why God told Joshua not to turn to the right or to the left, but to be strong and very courageous (Joshua 1:7). And why, through Isaiah, He encourages us:

“Forget the former things… See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:18–19)

What do I do when my focus becomes darkened?

I start thanking God, for His blessings, His goodness, His love, His kindness and His daily provision. I thank Him for my health, for the love I experience from Anita, my friends and for the many wonderful people He has placed around me that not only support me but also pray for me regularly.

Thanksgiving and praise lift my eyes above what I can see and remind me to live by faith, not by sight.

When my focus changes, everything else begins to look different and I am reminded once again:

Never give up… look up!