Change Your Focus/Watch your Thoughts

I feel like all of my latest blog posts have been centered around the COVID-19 virus. I have to admit, it is a big topic. There is just no way around it. The whole world is shut down. I mean really. Did you ever in your imagination expect something like this to happen? I know we have had tragedies to happen before. but never to the magnitude that it shout the whole world down.

If you dwell on that thought for any length of time, it can become very overwhelming and definitely very frightening. That is why I work hard to keep my thoughts on other things. I have had people to tell me that I am not being wise. They say I should be up to the minute with what is going on. but that's just it. We don't know what is going on. The news changes rapidly. As they find out more information they are sharing it with us. So why should I upset myself with every media tidbit? Why should you? When the time comes and the information you need comes, then you can act. But in the mean time, you need to change your focus...and you do that by changing your thoughts.

What are you thinking about anyway? When you wake up in the morning, are your thoughts going right to the negative reports? During the day, are you thinking about the negative reports? Wondering about the lack of goods on the shelves? Thinking about your bills, thinking about your job? When you go to bed at night, what are you focusing on? If you answer that you are thinking on everything COVID-19, then it is time to change your focus.

The Bible says, and this is one of my favorite scriptures, that we are to think on pure things, good things. I admit that it might not be easy, but it is necessary. For your own sanity and peace of mind, you have to focus on what is good and pure and of good report. How can you do that? I'm glad you asked. When you find yourself thinking on something negative, stop the thought right in its tracks. You have to be watchful. Often thoughts just slip up on you and before you know it, you have spent valuable time on the negative thought.

When a negative thought appears, first acknowledge it. Then make an effort to change the thought to something positive, something pleasant. You might have to do this a lot. But whenever you think the thought, do it. Then don't focus on negative things. Now is the time to think about all of the beauty in your life. I think about the things that I am blessed with. When I think on those things I feel good. When I think about my grandsons, I smile. When I think about my son. I smile. When I think about how blessed I am to have a loving daughter-in-law, I smile. When I think about how my mom, I smile. When I think how blessed I am to have family and friends. I smile. You get the picture. Instead of focusing on all of the losses we are all dealing with, think about all of the blessings you have and use that to change your focus.

Photo byTachina LeeonUnsplash

Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.