The Right Focus

The past week and a half or so has been rough. Yesterday it all came to a head for me when I was faced with some work I hadn't planned on. I became so overwhelmed. My head pounded. My heart raced. And though I've never had a panic attack, I thought yesterday might be the day. I worked on homework for my current Master's class in the afternoon during the kids' nap time and felt better after having gotten something done.
Then today it hit me. Amidst my tizzy yesterday I cried out to God, somewhat pathetically, in passing as I fretted over my life in general. But I never took the time to sit down and lay it all at His feet. This is a familiar pattern for me and others, I'm sure. Why don't we just stop and spend the time with Him when we need Him so much? My line of thinking usually goes something like this, "Sorry God, but you know I have to get this homework done." As if anything is more important than Him.
I've been doing a Bible Study called "Too Busy Not To Pray" and reading the companion book of the same title by Bill Hybels. If you don't know who Bill Hybels is, just Google Willow Creek Church and you'll discover that he is the pastor of a very large church near Chicago, as well as an author and speaker. The chapter I read today was called Mountain-Moving Prayer, based on Matthew 21:21-22 which says, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt,...you can say to this mountain, 'Go throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." I have no doubt whatsoever that Jesus can move mountains literally if need be, but Hybels suggests that He is speaking figuratively here. We each have mountains that need moving in our lives, but we must first believe that God is able. We do this by focusing on Him, the Mountain-Mover, instead of focusing on the mountain. We serve a God who still does miracles every day. He loves the sound of your voice and mine and He just wants us to trust Him. Anyone who is a parent can relate.
So my perspective is a little different today. No more wallowing in self-pity. I choose to focus on the Mountain-Mover and not the mountain. God is so faithful. He always answers in His perfect timing. I am so glad that He is molding my heart to trust Him more each day. And I'm going to try like crazy to have the right focus from the beginning the next time I feel overwhelmed.