We all experience trouble in life.
Even Jesus said to not be surprised by the troubles you are going through (John 16:33).
But what if I told you that it was possible to make all of your problems fade from view?
You might think I’m crazy.
You may even begin to question if I’ve lost my salvation.
But it’s true. There is a way that you can make all of your problems recede.
Ever since I started my YouTube channel, I’ve learned a lot about photography. And there is this one technique that is popular among photographers. It’s called the bokeh effect.
It’s a term that describes how a certain type of lens renders the background of a photo or video out of focus. When a photo or video is taken with this effect, the subject is crystal clear while the background remains blurry. The purpose of this effect is to draw your attention away from the background and toward the desired object.
If the background of the photo and the subject of the photo are both in focus, your eyes don’t know which to pay attention to. You might get tempted to look at something in the background when the photographer is trying to steer your focus to the subject.
Learning about the bokeh effect got me thinking about how it’s impossible for us to focus on two things at once. You have to take your eye off one thing to focus on something else.
When asked, many people would say that they just want to be at peace, but may I challenge that for a moment?
In John 14:27, Jesus said: “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
The very peace that many are searching for, Jesus already gave us. So why don’t we feel at peace?
I believe that many people think that their life has to be trouble-free to feel at peace.
But that’s not what Jesus said.
He said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”(John 16:33).
This shows me that I can choose to focus on my problems or I can choose to focus on Him, but I can’t do both. And if I just focus on Him, all of my problems will fade into the background.
So, what’s troubling you in life right now? Are you suffering in a strained marriage? Is your job in jeopardy? Are there more days in the month than money in your account? Are you hurting in your body?
When you focus on Jesus, everything else fades into the background. No, your problems don’t actually disappear. They’re still there, but they are no longer the focal point of your life because you know that God has you in the palm of His hand.
When you take your eyes off your circumstances and onto Jesus, amazing things happen.
He directs your steps.
He provides for you.
He handles your enemies.
He heals you.
So, my friend, you have a choice to make today. Will you focus on your problems, or will you keep your eyes on Him and let everything else fade into a blur?
Sounds simple, right? That’s because it is. But notice I didn’t say easy. Focusing on your problems instead of on God is just like any other temptation; it takes discipline to overcome.
But this type of training has tremendous benefits. It’s worth it. Will you decide today to take your focus off your problems and keep your eye on Jesus?
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