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When it starts to get hazy on the outside, have a clear focus on the inside
We are in need of some rain. With the crops suffering, the grass dying, and lake levels dropping we all watch James Spann in hopes of a promise for a shower. James would be the first to state that he is only in sales, not in management…that is God’s business. In any case, we still need some rain.
Without the rain in the atmosphere we have all witnessed the smoke and haze that the fires in Georgia and Florida have sent our way. The skies have become filled with smoke and the doctor’s waiting room is filling up with people who are in need of some help.
Smoke is not only a health issue; it is also a focus issue. When things start to become smoky, it is hard to stay focused on what is ahead of you. I have noticed that it not only happens with weather, it also happens when issues become a little “hazy” in our lives.
A story is told of a lady named Florence Chadwick who was swimming the ocean waters between Catalina Island and the California shore. She was engulfed in the fog and haze of the air and kept complaining that she would not be able to make it to the final destination. Although her mom was encouraging her to keep going, she finally persuaded those in the life boat to hoist her up in the boat. Once the boat paddled a few more minutes the fog broke and Florence realized she was less than a half of mile from her final destination. A half-mile. She was proverbially so close, but yet so far.
How about you? Are you on a journey towards a destination that has become “hazy” because you have become distressed in the fog and haze of life? Allow me to give you a few thoughts on how to clear up the smoke on the inside (I only wish I could remove the smoke and haze in our atmosphere, but I will leave that to James Spann).
First, stay focused on the goal. If you have ever flown on a cloudy day, the pilots are not trying to guess their position by the clouds; they are focused on the navigational tools on the dash. The same can be said of you during the storm.
Focus on the authority on your life. My personal belief is that God’s Word is my authority. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Not only has God equipped us through His Word, He has also given us access to the sharpest weapon we will ever encounter. “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” Hebrews 4:12.
Without an authority for your life, you will always be caught defenseless in foggy conditions. Not only do you need authority, but you also need accountability. Being accountable to someone else will aid you in your times of need. The Bible says, “A chord of three strands is not quickly broken.” This means if you take a chord and twirl two other chords around it, there will be a bond that will be hard to break.
The average person has many acquaintances, but very few friends. Pray for a friend in your life - someone who is strong spiritually and has a kindred spirit. The Christian life is not supposed to be lived in solitary confinement. We are not in prison, but free to live our lives and have close friends.
Finally, I would suggest that you have awareness. Be aware of your goals and do not let the fog and smoke keep you from the journey. Florence let a half mile keep her from the prize. What if she had been aware of the goal and how close she was at crossing the line? Nothing would have stopped her.
Right now you are closer than ever before in reaching your goal, whether your goal is a stable family; a life of significance; or a life marked by peace with God. Have your authority in His Word, accountability with His people, and awareness that you are closer than you could have ever thought to the goal. This is your opportunity to get the smoke out of your eyes and see the clear horizon ahead.