Skip to content To focus on Jesus does not come naturally. As a child, I vividly remember my mother often telling me to stop overthinking, insisting it wasn’t good for me. At the time, I wasn’t sure if her advice was sound—it seemed to depend on what I was thinking about. Naturally, my thoughts revolved around myself: my future, my past, my purpose in life, the right decisions to make in various situations, and so on. But over time, I’ve come to realize that this inward focus might indeed be a selfish endeavor.
Perhaps my mother was right: it’s not the act of thinking itself that’s problematic, but rather the obsession with oneself. I’ve discovered that instead of fixating on myself, I should focus on Jesus. Let’s delve into how and why we should all shift our focus to Jesus, not just more frequently, but always.
Letting our Eye’s off Jesus
22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14: 22-33
This is the famous story of Jesus walking on water, with Peter stepping out to join Him and momentarily doing the same. However, as Peter’s focus shifted from Jesus to the raging waves and storm around him, he began to sink.
This powerful narrative illustrates how, when we divert our gaze from Jesus, the worries of life can overwhelm us—just as Peter was overwhelmed by the literal waves.
Why Focus on Jesus
If you are new to the faith or considering it, you might wonder why it’s essential to focus on Jesus Christ. It may seem unusual to keep your attention on someone—God in the flesh—in your everyday life.
However, here are some compelling reasons why focusing on Jesus is not only important but necessary:
1. He is our Anchor
All humans grapple with sin and the capacity for evil. This inherent flaw leads us to encounter temptations and influences that can steer us toward harmful behaviors. In such moments, we often need help in managing our sinful nature. For example, if you struggle with anger and tend to lash out at those who wrong you, focusing on Christ—the suffering servant who forgave those who crucified Him—can provide the guidance and strength needed to refrain from lashing out at both your enemies and your loved ones.
2. He is our confidant,
He is our most trusted friend. Life becomes more manageable when shared with someone else. My child struggles to talk to strangers but always wants me by his side for courage. Similarly, focusing on Jesus empowers us to face life’s challenges. Difficulties seem less daunting when God is by your side.
3. Perspective:
Focusing on Jesus provides a transformative perspective in all aspects of life. Typical disappointments lose their sting; missing out on a job promotion seems insignificant when viewed in the light of the eternal God of the universe. Even death itself ceases to be a daunting finality. With our gaze fixed on Jesus, who conquered death and promised eternal life for us, we find a profound and comforting perspective that reshapes our understanding of every challenge and setback.
4. Protection from Idols:
Idols of the heart are anything we place above God. By focusing on Jesus, we ensure our worship is directed where it belongs—not on things that aren’t meant to be our gods, like work, money, or even family. This focus helps us prioritize our devotion and keeps our hearts aligned with what truly matters.
5. Seeing People as They Are:
Focusing on Jesus helps us see people in their true light—as created beings who are both sinful and deeply loved by God. It reminds us that every person, despite their flaws, is cherished by Him. This perspective empowers us to uplift those society deems “unworthy,” like the homeless or addicts, while also humbling those who are falsely elevated. I recall watching a press conference with the Boston Celtics coach after a game attended by the royal family. A reporter asked how he felt about their presence. The coach replied, “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph? That’s the only royal family I know.” This succinct response sharply contrasts human notions of royalty with the true royalty of Jesus. Such clarity comes naturally when we keep our focus on Jesus, our true King.
What does it meant to focus on Jesus
Focusing on Jesus doesn’t mean becoming modern-day monks who do nothing but think of Christ. Rather, it means keeping Jesus ever-present in our lives, making Him the focal point through which everything is filtered. View life through the lens of Jesus at your center. When good things happen, praise Him. When bad things arise, find solace in Him. In the midst of an argument with your spouse, remember how Jesus handles conflict. When your mind is at rest, talk to Him through prayer. These are just a few ways to make Jesus the focus of your life.
How to Focus on Jesus
There are countless ways to keep your focus on Jesus. Establishing habits and routines can help you stay mindful of His presence. Regular prayer and scripture reading are foundational practices. Additionally, listening to worship music, participating in church, engaging with a Christian community, journaling, and memorizing scripture are all effective ways to keep Jesus at the forefront of your mind. Each of these practices can help you cultivate a deeper and more constant awareness of His presence in your life.
Check out this article on ways to help you depend on God: 5 ways to Depend on God
But the real question you should ask yourself is whether you truly want Jesus at the forefront of your mind. If you desire it passionately enough, the methods to achieve it will come more naturally.
