Set your focus

Do you ever feel helpless or out of control? I do. In fact, I believe most of us do. It seems to me that people, political powers, and corporate greed have taken over the media landscape. 

I’m comforted by the predictions found in Paul’s letter to Timothy: “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” (2 Timothy 3:2-4, NIV) Paul must have been led by the Spirit when he penned those words. God knows what’s going on, and He’s got us in His hands. 

I’m also encouraged by the words of my mentor, Dr. Richard Dobbins: “Paul, you can control three things with God’s help: your thoughts, feelings, and actions. You cannot control the thoughts, feelings, and actions of others.”

Is the world driving you crazy? Are you upset with the path of the virus or governmental overreach? Did the news about Afghanistan and the loss of valuable lives upset you as it did me? I find myself leaning into the foundations of my Christian life and mental health principles in order to thrive during these days marked by chaos. Here’s my sanity recipe:

1. Don’t let people or circumstances drive you crazy. Take away the keys. With God’s help, you’ve got this. 
2. You cannot control the thoughts, feelings, and actions of others. Let go and let God fix this mess. 
3. Focus on your relationship with Jesus Christ and your purpose in this world.
4. Build your life on His Word. For the Bible says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12, NIV)

In A Miracle Every Day tomorrow, I’ll address a few more rock-solid foundational principles that have helped me weather the storms of life. I’d also like to recommend a book called Crossover that is leading me and many others into our new promised land. It seems as if God gave us these revelations for such a time as this.

I know you are going to cross over into a better life, business, and community because you are a miracle. And I love you more than a pastrami sandwich.