The blinking cursor caught my attention, and I started reading. It wasn’t where I was supposed to be reading, but . . . I got pulled in by that blinking line.

Have you ever scanned a document and had your attention caught by a blinking cursor? Have you ever started reading in that spot and forgot you were supposed go to another section? Have you ever been editing and had your cursor stop in the wrong place and distract you?

I have.

I was thinking the other day just how much like a cursor our minds can be.

Have you ever had your mind get distracted by troubles from the past or the worries of the future instead of focusing on Christ? Have you ever been pulled in to the “what might have been” or the “I should have done” instead of recognizing that you can’t change what has been said and done in the past, but you can make a difference in what you say and do in the future?

It’s easy to become discouraged, frustrated, fearful because of what has happened or what might happen. But there’s something we need to remember: Feelings Follow Focus.

• I got in a huge fight with my BF two years ago *rehashes every line of the fight*
• My grandma passed away a few weeks ago! *thinks about how devastating it was*
• Sally had three miscarriages in last year. *remembers how sad everyone felt*
• Dad lost his job. *agonizes over every single thing*
• I got a nasty review on my book. *fumes about the injustice of some readers*
• My mom and I don’t get along. *wishes we could be like other families who never disagree*

I could go on. I’ve heard it over and over. And yes, those things hurt. They are scary, frightening, painful. But they are over. The Bible talks about forgetting those things which are behind and pressing on to the things that are before. Sometimes it’s hard to do. When we continue to dwell on the pain of the past, we are choosing to reject the peace God is offering. Be careful where you let your mind rest.

Just like that blinking cursor draws our attention to certain parts of a page, so our focus can draw our feelings away from the rest and peace God gives.

It isn’t bad to remember things that happened, but when we dwell on them and become focused on the bad, our feelings aren’t going feel like rejoicing in the Lord and letting His peace rule our hearts. We have a tendency to think about the bad and the difficult instead of the wonder and joy of God’s blessings.

• My BF and I are stronger friends and have a whole new understanding of each other.
• Grandma is safe with Jesus.
• Sally gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.
• God became our Provider in a new way.
• I was reminded to write my stories and leave the results up to God.
• I have an opportunity to grow and work on getting along with my mom even when it is hard.

When I focus on the positive I have a happier outlook on life, a joy that fills and overflows, a peace that passes understanding, and an assurance that Jesus does ALL things well.

So what about you? Has your cursor of life led your focus away? Or are you striving to see God’s hand in every part of your life, the good and the bad? Remember Feelings Follow Focus.