The older I get the harder it is to focus on something for very long. What was that story about in the last book I read? Or who was the murderer on that TV show we watched so long ago, as in all of last night? Or the point of last week’s devotional? I scratch my head. Wondering if I’m losing it. No nasty and hasty comments, please. You’re probably not far behind. What’s your name again?!

But the Bible gives us the focal point. That heart and hub. Who to key in on. When to knuckle down instead of being a scatterbrained knucklehead! Oh, by the way, I’ve found some help in the Bible. Where was that? In what book? Old or New Testament? Have I wandered off again?

No, I’ve found it–‘…looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God’ (Heb. 12: 2).

Here’s the deal. When fears torpedo you with cold creeps and fidgety jitters, look to Jesus. He’s your Lord, who loves you like no one else ever has or will. Hang your hat on His peg. Look no further. Mull over those words from the book of Hebrews–‘…looking to Jesus…’ And hang on for dear life.

When you do, note that your trust level rises—at least some—and that your confidence in Jesus pushes anxiety a tad closer to the edge.

When I’ve been in hospital settings or with doctors and specialists, giving blood or enduring claustrophobic scans, what keeps my skin from crawling off of me is repeating this verse from the Old Testament–‘Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee because he trusts in thee’ (Is. 26: 3). God’s Word comforts me. It’s become a part of me.

Here’s another for good measure–‘Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light’ (Matt. 11: 28-30). Draw close to whom? Focus already! Yes, to Jesus.

The church where I’ve been blessed to be their emeritus pastor ends each worship service singing–‘Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full In His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace’.

They’ve got it right. So, bear down, keep your eye on the ball, stay the course, and zero in on Jesus. For a change, let persistent distractions take a back seat. Even better, lock them away in the trunk.

Lord Jesus, thank you for always being there for me. Amen.