FOCUS IN TIMES SQUARE
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3, ESV
Theme: Keep your mind focused on God, really trust Him, and you won’t over-worry or overreact.
PERFECT PEACE
Some situations appear excluded from perfect peace, such as destruction left by a hurricane and the tension before a divisive election. If you’re in North Carolina or Florida, you may be facing both. When you think about the weather, the storms that passed through, or the upcoming presidential election, is it worry or peace that dominates your thoughts? Although peace may seem elusive, there is a secret to remaining peaceful. Peace or distress depends on where you choose to place your focus.
FIX YOUR EYES
Walking through Times Square in New York City, I discovered that my eyes wouldn’t land on a focal point. It was painfully bright (even after sunset) and overstimulating. Multi-story screens show video with sound projected down to the square filled with live entertainers, vendors, and photographers while a sea of people swarmed, rushed and gaped. One of the photographers waved my own bright image in front of me on a tablet – I didn’t even see him take a photo. Where to focus? “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen...” (2 Corinthians 4:18a, NIVUK). We are to fix our “eyes” on what is unseen. Actually, this is not possible for physical eyes. However, it is totally possible for our minds. In the case of Times Square, I had to follow directions to a Broadway show. Those directions were quiet, on simple street signs, and unobtrusive. Yet, when I focused on the planned destination – never mind the glittering, attention-grabbing things – it wasn’t overwhelming to make my way through the noise.
TEMPORARY
“...since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal,” (2 Corinthians 4:18b, NIVUK). Consider this: often urgent, bright, emergent issues also prove to be temporary. What is seen is temporary. No matter how permanent it seems, this campaign season will end, and SOON! No matter how frightening the hurricane season is, it will be over, and SOON! Grounded in the truth that these things are temporary, we can still engage in healthy ways. Love your (political) adversary by placing their value as a person over their vote. Doing so shows that you believe God is able – without your great effort or hatred – to do whatever He chooses. This temporary trouble? He can handle it.
AND YOU WON’T OVERREACT
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust you,” (Isaiah 26:3, NIVUK). Trust God; have peace. Please also exercise your right to vote, help with disaster relief efforts, care for the hurting, and give generously. What we are not saying is to quit doing good. Instead, allow the temporary things to remain in their proper place. Don’t overreact by becoming angry and hurting those you love. Express your honest concerns to God. Pray. Consume His word more than you consume any other media. Ask Him to keep you in His perfect peace during this very flashy, bright, overstimulating, distracting season. Don’t let the chaos in Times Square distract you from heading on to your destination.
Make It Personal: What is flashing brightly in your current journey? Does it seem all-important and consuming? If you find that your peace is gone, check your focus. Is it on temporary things like politics, elections, and the weather? Or on the eternal, God’s business?
Pray: Lord God, I look to You for peace in this stormy season. Thank You for Your long history of faithfulness to my ancestors and to me. Help me to keep in perspective all that is temporary. Give me the courage and strength to trust You even when everything around me appears to be an emergency. You’re not in a rush; You are not panicked. Please help me to remain in perfect peace during this distracting and divisive season. You are my refuge in the storm. You don’t need my help to fix anything and so I can rest in the protection of your strength. Thank you for providing for all of my needs regardless of the outcomes in the future. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Psalm 119:15, 37; Jerimiah 14:8-10
Weekly Memory Verse: “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” I Peter 2:17, ESV