Philippians: A Study for TeensSample

Focus

By Sean Fryer

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”—Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)

We live in a world full of distractions. Everything is vying for our attention—social media, advertisements, friends, TV, video games, sporting events, bus benches . . . literally everything. Despite all these distractions, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s important. It’s so easy to let our minds wander from the truth. It’s a tactic Satan uses. Even if he doesn’t bring us to himself, he can try to distract us from Jesus.

That’s why Paul encourages us to “be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let [our] requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6 NKJV). Anxiety is one of those things that can so easily turn us from God. So, what do we do in those moments? We turn to Him, pray to Him, ask Him for things (supplication), and thank Him (thanksgiving). And when we do these things, “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard [our] hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7 NKJV). We take our distractions and use them to focus on Him.

Paul continues his point in the next few verses. He makes a list of good things—you may even say God things—we should meditate on. Meditation is to really focus on something. It’s when we remove all distractions and let our minds rest on those things. I can’t tell you the number of times I try to spend time with God, and a distraction comes my way. When that happens, what should I do? Should I let it distract me, or should I sharpen my focus on Him?

When we begin to block out the noise, we’ll find it becomes easier and easier over time. The more we focus on the good things God wants us to focus on, the easier it will be to stay away from the negative things. The more time we spend with Him, the more we’ll become like Him.

Pause: Clear your mind and room of all distractions and spend just two minutes meditating on God.

Practice: Create a place where you can do this daily. Maybe it’s in your bedroom, or maybe it’s outside in your backyard. Wherever it might be, have a place where you spend time alone with God.

Pray: God, help me to clear my mind of the negative thoughts and distractions that try and turn me from You so I can focus solely on You. Amen.