Clarity, Perspective & Focus

I recently had shoulder surgery and it has really been a difficult season of healing. I have had great care from my wife and family. I’m thankful that I’ve had help. My arm has been in a sling for the past three weeks and I have three more weeks to go. Besides the fact that I feel sorry for myself, there have been some shifts in my perspective. I find myself focused on me way too much. My pain and discomfort are personal and uncomfortable. For my shoulder to be repaired, I had to go through a season of healing and even pain.  It is easy to get distracted by the immediate pain. It easy to get distracted by the inconvenience of this season. It’s way harder to get clarity, perspective, and focus.

Jesus was just beginning His ministry and things were blowing up. The crowds of people were blown away by His miracles and His powerful teaching. He heals a man with leprosy and then asked the man to not tell everyone, but the word was out. Jesus’ response to all of this publicity is worth noting. Check this out…

 ¹⁵ But despite Jesus’ instructions, the report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases. ¹⁶ But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer. (Luke 5:15-16 NLT)

Rather than playing to the crowds, Jesus withdrew so that He could regain deep clarity, focus and perspective. He had a mission to complete. I believe that Jesus gave an incredible example of how to find clarity, focus and perspective. His time alone with His Father in prayer was the key to this.

I started thinking about how I navigate this weird season of life. After my surgery, I’ve had a good bit of time to be alone with the Lord. I’ve had time for clarity, focus and perspective. I’ve been gaining clarity, focus and perspective.  These words are related to one another yet different.

Clarity – this implies clear and deep understanding.

Focus – is the ability to “zero in” on specific topics or issues – undistracted.

Perspective – is seeing things from a differing angle.

I want to spend time with my Father so that I can reset some things if you will. I want to see things through His lens. Spending time with Him in prayer and study of His Word gives me the tools needed to walk through any season of life.

Pressing On!

Dwayne