Focus on the Good

“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess. 5:16-18 CSB)

Like everyone else, I went through some discouraging times in 2020. To understate the obvious, things were a bit difficult last year. It seemed like the general feeling of discouragement bled over into simple, everyday tasks as well. Many things just felt too hard, and I was often irritated with my situation. Going into the holiday season, I was determined to shake off the feelings of frustration and anger that had seeped into my everyday life. I was determined to refocus and dedicate that special time to overcoming my general sense of malaise.

I began by copying verses on thankfulness into my journal during the month of November. The Lord showed me many things while copying these verses. Taking the time to write the verses down by hand gave me the opportunity to ruminate on what the verses actually said.

One of the main ideas the Lord pointed out to me was that I was focused on the wrong things. I was constantly focused on the negative. By focusing on the negative, I was compounding my frustration. Generally, we find what we are looking for, and I was finding bad stuff all over the place.

“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.” (Phil. 4:8 CSB)

There is a reason the Lord tells us to focus on the good things—it is good for our minds and our souls. When we are focusing on a particular item, we usually will find it. By focusing on the bad, I was seeing all the bad and letting the good be crowded out. I had to shift my focus. I had to start looking for the good. There is always good somewhere. God made it that way.

Looking for the good, for me, started with staying in the Bible—reading and copying verses. Having God’s Word as my foundation gave me a good start of looking for the lovely. Because sometimes it is extremely difficult to find the good in a sea of bad.

Even though at times it can seems easier to focus on the negative, even though it seems easier to complain rather than be content, it is not better!

Sometimes it is easy to dismiss or disqualify our worries as “first-world problems” or remind ourselves that we have it better that others. These are good reminders and sometimes a good way to help us refocus. However, just because we strive for contentment in whatever circumstances does not mean we should automatically dismiss our feelings. Our feelings are valid. The hurt we feel is valid. The frustration we have is valid. But lingering there is not.

To me, focusing on the good and reaching for contentment doesn’t mean sweeping our feelings under the rug. We don’t have to dismiss what we feel, we just can’t let it dictate our lives.

The Lord has so much good for us, but sometimes we are too busy clinging to the bad to realize it. Anytime is a good time to reset, but 2021 seems like an optimal time.

Rejoice. Pray. Give thanks. That is a great place to start.

Dear Lord, We rejoice in all the good in the world that reflects you. Thank you for our blessings. Thank you for being the constant in an ever-changing world. Amen.

Scripture for Reflection

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength (Phil. 4:12-13 NIV)

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 15:13 CSB)

Sing to the Lord, you his faithful ones, and praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor, a lifetime. Weeping may stay overnight, but there is joy in the morning. (Ps. 30:4-5 CSB)

Though you have not seen him, you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Pet. 1:8-9 CSB)

Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. (Ps. 126:5 CSB)

Reach for More

If you need a reset, start today. Read the Bible, copy verses, journal. Look for at least one good thing about your day. Start by focusing on that. Search out the good in your situation because God is there.

Dana Herndon is a writer, blogger, and middle school teacher. She and her husband live in Georgia with their three children. In addition to teaching and writing, Dana loves to read, paddle board, and sometimes run. She blogs about faith, family, and enjoying the everyday life at danaherndon.com.