As we go through difficulties, it’s natural for our focus to zoom in on the problems right in front of us. We commiserate with the pain, turning over our problems from every angle while trying to anticipate the unknown. Out of this exercise in control grow the “What ifs”—those worst-case scenarios we imagine. We need to be prepared for anything, right? Yes, but this is where faith meets the road we walk. The truth is, what we focus on grows—just like how suddenly every red car seems to jump out at us after we buy one. How can we be realistic, not devastated, but prepared, stable, and hopeful? The key is shifting our focus from the problem to God.
O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. Psalm 34:3
The Martha Mode
Do you remember when Jesus visited his good friends, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus? Martha was worried about many things. It would have been human nature for Martha to be frustrated that Mary wasn’t Mary stressed about the things Martha felt were important . I find myself in the Martha mode sometimes, especially when it comes to my problems. I’m a creative problem solver—it is my gift—but if I don’t watch it, it can become my curse. It’s good to be prepared and to do the work that needs to be done, but it’s even more important to set aside those chores, tasks, fears, and anxious worries and simply sit at the feet of Jesus. This is where we practice focusing on God—letting Him become our “red car,” the one we train our minds to notice above all else. This positions us to magnify our help, our rescue, and our God.
But the Lord replied to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered and anxious about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part [that which is to her advantage], which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42
The Reticular Activating System
You’ve probably heard of the red car theory: if you buy a red car for the first time, suddenly you notice all the red cars on the road—you never realized how many were there before! The Reticular Activating System (RAS) in our brain filters information and brings what’s relevant to us into focus. When we focus on Jesus, the RAS tunes into the goodness of God and blocks out the other things, in part at least. The difference between God and red cars is that God is actually there when we look for Him. The more we intentionally look for God in our daily lives, the more we’ll see evidence of Him everywhere—just like those red cars.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.[b] Jeremiah 29:13-14
Prayer
Lord, I am worried about many things. There’s so much to focus on as I prepare for the road ahead, with so many possible directions. Help me leave behind my Martha tendencies and choose to focus on You, new every morning and every moment. Open my eyes to see You at work—help me notice You as clearly and constantly as I’d notice a red car after buying one. Give me wisdom and strength to choose the better part, and let my awareness of You grow bigger than my problems. In Jesus’ name, amen.
