He Sleeps in Your Bed
I looked at my situation from every angle. I could not find anyway out. I despaired of hope. I quit trying. I said things would never improve. Then, God showed me my problem was not my problem.
Refocus your focus
My problem was that I had focused so closely on my worries that they overwhelmed me. I could not see around them and felt helpless. Then God pointed out to me, as I read His word, that I should not focus on my problems. I should focus on Him.
The more I focus on my problems the bigger they seem. If you take a high-powered microscope to your bed, you will find numerous little monsters called dust mites. These things would make you lose sleep if you could really see them. When I become an expert on my challenges and crises, I can see nothing else.
How to focus on hope
You focus on life-giving power when you zoom in on the Lord. Look at Jesus by worshiping Him. Tell Him how great He is. Talk to Him about His character, tell Him how much you love Him.
This is how Paul survived all the trials he faced (which are nothing compared to what we have gone through). He was beaten, imprisoned, and rejected. He called this a “light affliction, which is but for a moment” and it
worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (II Corinthians 4:17-18)
Here are three ways we focus:
- Magnify – this means we zoom in until we see every detail. Does this describe how you view God or your trials?
- Glorify – this means we add weight to something which others take lightly. Do you see God as heavy-duty or do you see your worries as overbearing?
- Exalt – this is to lift up something by talking about it. Do you speak more highly of God or do you give more attention to the economy, bad weather, or your health problems?
Ignore the monsters, see the Master
How much time do you spend focusing on the things that are seen? Spend your day focusing on Jesus. Look at the problems when they need attention, but do not dwell on them. Do not borrow tomorrow’s trouble. Talk to God about how great He is right now. Trust Him to be there when the challenge, worry, or fear comes to a head.
When you zoom in on the Lord, the worries and fears do not look nearly so big. Worship the Lord Jesus until He is all you see. You will sleep much better.