Where Is Your Focus?
David was in great danger; for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in spirit for their sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. (1 Samuel 30:6)
One thing I love about David is that he understands the power of focus in the face of the unimaginable. David is going through what has to be one of the most difficult seasons of his life (1 Samuel 30), but he doesn’t focus on those who attack him, nor does he focus on those who abandon him.
There are two groups of antagonists in the text. First, there are the Amalekites. The word “Amalekites” has two Hebrew meanings. It means, “Valley Dwellers,” and it also means “People who lick blood or drain life.” The other antagonists are found in verse 6. They are David’s own people, the people who abandon him. The text says he is in the greatest danger from his own people who want to stone him. But rather than focus on those who attack him or those who abandon him, David inquires of the Lord because he understands that it does no good, when you’re trying to get your life back on track, to waste your time on the lowdown people who drain your life, or the people who should be supporting you, but abandon you.
What you need to understand is that the key to your recovery has a lot to do with where your focus is. Albert Einstein said, “If you want to live a healthy and happy life, tie it to a steady goal and a vision.” Paulo Coelho put it this way, “Whenever you want to achieve something, keep your eyes open, concentrate and make sure you know exactly what it is you want. No one can hit their target with their eyes closed.” Jesus put it this way, “No man who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the goodness of God.”
Where is your focus right now? Are you focused on the antagonists in your life? Are you focused on those who hurt you or abandoned you? Or are you focused on the Lord?
One thing I love about David is that he understands the power of focus in the face of the unimaginable. David is going through what has to be one of the most difficult seasons of his life (1 Samuel 30), but he doesn’t focus on those who attack him, nor does he focus on those who abandon him.
There are two groups of antagonists in the text. First, there are the Amalekites. The word “Amalekites” has two Hebrew meanings. It means, “Valley Dwellers,” and it also means “People who lick blood or drain life.” The other antagonists are found in verse 6. They are David’s own people, the people who abandon him. The text says he is in the greatest danger from his own people who want to stone him. But rather than focus on those who attack him or those who abandon him, David inquires of the Lord because he understands that it does no good, when you’re trying to get your life back on track, to waste your time on the lowdown people who drain your life, or the people who should be supporting you, but abandon you.
What you need to understand is that the key to your recovery has a lot to do with where your focus is. Albert Einstein said, “If you want to live a healthy and happy life, tie it to a steady goal and a vision.” Paulo Coelho put it this way, “Whenever you want to achieve something, keep your eyes open, concentrate and make sure you know exactly what it is you want. No one can hit their target with their eyes closed.” Jesus put it this way, “No man who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the goodness of God.”
Where is your focus right now? Are you focused on the antagonists in your life? Are you focused on those who hurt you or abandoned you? Or are you focused on the Lord?
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