Anxiety StrikesSample

Day 4: Focus

When someone throws a punch at an untrained fighter their natural reaction is to flinch and close their eyes. This may keep them safe from the first strike or two, but soon they will not be able to see where the blows are coming from. Then they will be getting hit from every angle.

We need to see when and where anxiety is attacking us from so we can appropriately defend against it. The "how" is very important as well. Fighters are trained to keep their eyes on their opponent at all times. Each opponent and each fight can be different, so fighters must focus on and study their opponents in the ring.

Even when we are backed up and anxiety is swinging full force, we need to be able to focus on what is going on and what we are feeling in the moment. Once we know what is going on we can then address it.

This reminds me of Moses, Aaron, and Hur in the battle against the Amalekites. Moses was holding up the staff of God in his hand overlooking the battle on a hill. Whenever Moses’ arms became tired and he lowered his hands, Israel started losing the battle. As long as he could keep them up, Israel would prevail. The three of them noticed this and they propped up Moses and held his arms up so Israel could win. The battle was raging, but they had their eyes open to observe what was going on.

Focus on what God is doing in your situation. When you do certain actions is it helping or hurting you? What should you be doing more of? What should you be doing less of?