Focus During Crisis

How do we focus on God in times of crisis? It is extremely easy to let a situation become our focus instead. We find ourselves dwelling on the what ifs and if onlys, and soon our thoughts are consumed with a mountain of a problem. One of the scriptures I have clung to in difficult times is Isaiah 43:2-3 which says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” 

Sometimes it feels as if the water and the fire will consume us, but no matter what happens we can trust that He is still in control. He is holy. He is good, and He is ALWAYS with us. Just as He promises. You just have to trust Him and remember all of the situations that He has carried you through in the past.

Since I’m a middle school teacher, I have some focusing tricks that I use to help my students and myself during state testing which are the most stressful days of the school year. These tips can help us stay focused on God during the most stressful days of life. 

1. Music – Classical music promotes better concentration to help students focus on the task at hand. When a crisis or even every day distractions are threatening your focus on God, it helps to sing worship music. It’s hard to focus on the problems when you’re singing. Instead, your focus is on God and His goodness. 

2. Essential Oils and a Diffuser – Some essential oils claim to improve focus and help calm nerves, so of course I use them to help on testing day. What can calm us in a life crisis? Prayer. Make time to pray.  Talk to God and share your fears and worries, but then also be still and listen. It is difficult to hear Him when we just speak our prayer and don’t pause to hear from Him.

3. Chewing Gum –  My students think this is just a sweet treat, but chewing gum can actually help improve their focus too. Find SWEET christian friends that will STICK by you, pray for you, and encourage you in the hard times.

4. 1970s bed sheets from when I was a kid – I know these seem like a strange thing to use for testing, but we are required to remove or cover anything in the classroom that might be helpful to students. A bed sheet can quickly cover a lot of wall space with just a few staples! This forces students to focus on what they know. Just as I hide the helpful words on my walls, we need to spend time hiding God’s helpful word in our heart so that no matter where we are or what we’re going through we can remember His promises. Read your bible every day. Highlight, underline, and make notes of scriptures that will help you to memorize God’s promises that will encourage you in the hardest of times.

Maybe it’s time for a change of focus. Are you focusing on an unsettling problem rather than seeking the face of the One who promises to never leave you or forsake you? Isaiah 41:10 says, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.” This scripture always reminds me that regardless of what I am going through, God is holding me in mighty His hand and giving the strength I need to face it. 

Remember, no matter what crisis you are facing, it is temporary, and God is faithful and will be right there with you through it all. 2 Corinthians 4:18 says, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” So keep your focus on Him with music, prayer, sweet friends, and finally scripture.

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