Where we choose to focus our minds makes a difference

By Dean Collins

Even though God is always watching over us and working things out for our good, it is hard not to look back at our circumstances. And when we do, all kinds of fear and anxieties can grip us. Consider the familiar story of the exodus. 

Fear not 

It was a dramatic demonstration of God’s power that the people of Israel had experienced in the previous weeks resulting in Pharaoh allowing Moses to lead them out of Egypt. The journey to the promised land was underway. It is hard to imagine the range of emotions that were felt by God’s people as they departed on their journey to freedom. There must have been a sense of relief as they witnessed the power of God at work. But the people of Israel also stared into the uncertainty of exactly how things would work out.

 In Exodus 14, we find that Pharaoh had a change of heart and decided to pursue the Israelites and recover his losses. When the people of Israel lifted their eyes and looked back, they could see a giant army marching after them. Any emotions of relief were quickly replaced by crippling fear.

 It didn’t take long before fear turned to anger. Not knowing who else to blame, the Hebrew people lashed out at Moses questioning what he had done that put them in harm’s way. They peppered Moses with their frustrations:

 “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? 

 What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt?

 Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians?’

 For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.”

 I suspect we have all had moments where we lashed out at someone when we were feeling anxious.  When we focus on our problems and challenges, our anxiety tends to grow.  And hearts and minds filled with anxiety result in words and actions that are usually not balanced with wisdom, faith, and love for others.

 Moses was quick with instructions for the people of Israel. His words were clear and direct:

 “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

 Moses delivered a message that God’s people needed to hear. It might just be a message that we need to remember and adhere to as well. I don’t know about you, but I will confess to many times when looking at my circumstances stirred considerable anxiety. However, when I refocused my attention to God and his promises, I found considerable relief. Where we choose to focus our minds makes a difference in our attitude and in how we experience those around us.

Stand firm in faith

 It is interesting to note that just as Moses spoke to the anxiety of God’s people, God spoke to Moses telling him that instead of just praying for help, he needed to get busy and follow God’s instructions.

 “Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground.”

There is a time for praying, and there is also a time for acting. I wonder how many times we pray waiting for God while God is listening but waiting for us to follow his instructions? 

 Just three weeks ago, I found myself struggling with anxiety about a situation. I was discouraged because I couldn’t see solutions to some tough situations I was facing. I had prayed earnestly for a long time about this situation. Some days, I knew I saw movement; but then things would stall again. So, I prayed again. I earnestly asked God why he hadn’t answered my prayers. As I sat in silence, I felt a sense of relief followed by three short and simple instructions that God brought to my attention: trust me; keep working; I am sufficient.

 I didn’t hear an audible voice like Moses heard. I didn’t see the Chattahoochee River nearby part allowing me to walk through to the other side. But I am certain that God gave me these thoughts to correct my thinking and to focus me on what I needed to do, which was to take steps of faith and continue the work that he has given me while simultaneously trusting him to be fully in charge and capable of delivering the help I needed.

 Sometimes I think we default to standing still instead of standing firm. Moses needed the children of Israel to stand firm - not stand still. God needed the same from Moses. It is good to pray to God for help. Scripture often tells us to wait on God, which we must do; but waiting and standing still are often not the same thing.  Waiting on God and standing firm in our faith will often mean that we are to keep working while at the same time fully trusting God to intervene in our situation.

 So today, whatever situation you are facing, I encourage you to hear the word from Moses. Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord. For me, it translated into God speaking these words: Trust God. Keep working. And finally, to remember that God is sufficient to meet every challenge.

  Lord, forgive us for our tendency to focus on our problems instead of looking up to you for our strength. Today, we choose to stand firm in our faith, to do the work you place in front of us, and to look to you and to you alone for our deliverance.  In Jesus name, Amen.

 Your Time with God’s Word
Exodus 14:10-31 ESV

Photo by Tony Eight Media on Unsplash
To receive daily posts delivered directly to your inbox, complete the form at the bottom of our home page.