The spotlight. A powerful tool on stage. Projecting an iridescent beam on whatever the focus of the performance is. It’s an illuminating device with the power to keep every eye on where the action is at that particular moment. It’s such a powerful tool that by capturing the attention of audiences, they can be enthralled with the drama one moment and in absolute distress the next. In other words it has the influence to control what it wants us to see. It’s not that there isn’t anyone else on stage, it’s just that the spotlight isn’t on them at that moment because the director has decided to select a particular moment to focus on according to what he/she believes is integral to the performance.
Have you noticed how this works? Do you see how you can do the same thing in your life? If you focus on what’s happening around the world for long enough, you will be negatively influenced. Yes, we all need to be aware of current issues. But it’s up to us to decide what we place our ‘spotlight’ on. Fact: we live in a fallen world. Truth: Jesus has overcome the world. Fact is not the same as truth. We absolutely need statistics, science etc, but although they are factual they can be doctored- manipulated and so they seem to portray a true message. Truth however, can not be altered. God does not change, and neither does His word. That means it can be trusted.The direction that your life takes can reveal much about the focus of your spotlight. But that’s all it is - your focus, not necessarily the truth. Are you consumed with fear, worry and doubt? When you visit the doctor are you on edge, wondering what prognosis will be given? When letters come through your door is your heart racing with the thought of yet another bill? Do you hang on to the words “cost of living crisis“ Which is repeated daily until it begins to form an image in your mind of shortage and struggle? If you tick any of these boxes (as well as a host of others) I submit to you that your spotlight is in the wrong place. But it’s not a problem, now that you know! The same way the habit was formed subconsciously by consuming what’s going on around you, is the same way you can form a new habit of consistently and deliberately turning everything over to God. And leaving it there. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. (Heb 11:1). Unbelief, worry etc. also come by hearing - Yep! You’ve got it - By hearing the wrong thing consistently. You consistently listened to the bad news didn’t you? Well it’s time to consistently listen to the good:
When that bill comes, say “thank you Lord for being my provider“. (Matt 6:26).
When that pain , cough, irritation comes - note how these are also characteristics of the devil - say “thank you Lord that you are my healer“. (Ps 107:20),
When there is strife in your family between your children or anyone else say “thank you Lord that you are the peace in this family“. (Phil 4: 6-7),
And when you are experiencing such a deep sorrow to the very core of your being, remember that the Lord is called “man of sorrow, acquainted with grief” (Is 53:3) and say “you are my comfort, joy and strength”. (Ps 30:11).
In other words you are taking back control of the spotlight’s focus, joining hands with Almighty God and allowing him to shine instead. (1 Cor 3:9).
Be encouraged. There is so much more to life than what this world’s “spotlight“ wants you to see!
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