by Caroline Sloan
Ever heard the saying, “You can’t see the forest for the trees”? I grew up hearing that one. It originates from a 16th-century collection of John Heywood proverbs. There’s your random trivia for the day!
If you can’t see the forest for the trees, it essentially means that you’re too focused on small details and fail to understand the bigger picture.
I’m a detail-oriented person, so I’ll admit that I do have a hard time seeing the forest. I get so caught up in trivial things, that it prevents me from focusing on my larger goal. That’s right, I used the keyword here: FOCUS.
We’re about halfway through 2020, and it’s been the worst time to try and focus. Between the global pandemic and social injustice, how can we focus? Specifically, how can we focus on God during all of this?
Let’s stop focusing on the trees and look at the forest. Okay, okay, I know you’re probably tired of me using this metaphor (but it’s a great visual!). Let’s stop focusing on all the negative events happening around us. As long as there is sin in the world, these events will keep happening.
Let’s start focusing on God’s bigger plans for our lives. Let’s take these negative actions and turn them into something good.
I’m notorious for worrying about the future, especially since the pandemic ruined my graduation plans along with many other seniors’ plans. But Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct your paths.”
Did you get that? He will direct our paths as long as we trust Him.
Let’s focus together.
