Focal Point

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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1-2a (NIV, emphasis mine)

It often happens during the most innocuous of circumstances. This time, I’m relaxed in my overstuffed chair, reading a magazine. The hum begins in my right ear and then increases in fullness and intensity. I know what to do. This isn’t my first rodeo. I breathe deeply, slowly. I wait to see if this will be a minor attack or a major Ménière’s episode. It’s major this time. The pressure builds and flows across my brain. The volume of the hum increases, and then the horizon tilts, the room threatens to spin in ever-tightening, rapid circles, and I feel hot and flushed.

I’ve already found my focal point. It’s a spot on the ceiling to the right of the light. I steel myself to take slow breaths, to remember that this is just an episode. It will pass. I stare at that small spot on the ceiling as if my life depended on it, willing my eyes to focus Right There, ignoring the rushing/whirling/tilting thing happening in my inner ear. Ten minutes. Sweating, waiting, breathing, focused on a tiny dot, and the pressure starts to subside, the fullness eases, the hum decreases. I’ll be shaky for another half hour or so, but I’m okay. That tiny spot on the ceiling was my key to successfully riding out the attack.

What that little spot on the ceiling was to my physical well-being, the Bible says Jesus is to my spiritual well-being—and yours. He is our focal point. We have a calling, and it’s to run a particular race that is all ours, staying on the path God has laid out for us. We can be relaxed and at ease on our path when suddenly everything’s disrupted, like my Ménière’s attack.

What happens when we are blindsided by trouble we didn’t expect? Relationships that sour without a warning? What happens when we are tempted to step off our race path and wander toward an enticement that would feed our flesh but ruin our soul? How easy it is to be hindered and entangled. An attack threatens to spin us out of control.

Hebrews tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus. Just keep looking at Him no matter what. Don’t allow that spinning sensation that everything is falling apart to distract you. Don’t give in to panic when life throws you a curve. Steadily, fixedly, unwaveringly, keep your eyes on Jesus, the One and Only, who can and will steady you in uncertain times.

In reality, Jesus is the only point of stillness in a spinning world. He alone does not change. Friends and family can change … grow ill … die. Homes can be swallowed up by earthquakes and floods. Money saved can be lost. The only fixed point is Christ—

Shepherd. Light of the World. Savior. Master. Friend. The Way, the Truth, the Life. Living Water. Son of God. God in Flesh. Lover of our Souls. Rescuer. Lord of lords. King of kings.

When we focus on Him … the spinning stops.

Dear Lord Jesus, help me to keep my eyes fixed on You in good times and in bad. Oh, how I thank You that You do not change. You are the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I choose to look to You for strength and comfort and direction. You are my focal point in a shifting world. I love You, Lord! Amen.

You are loved,
Sharon

Sweet Selah Ministries

Vision
To encourage a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth that stillness and knowing God matter most—
and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission 
To offer resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)