In our May edition of the Walking in Renewal newsletter, Cheryl offered this Life Coaching Tip:
Intentionally and willfully changing your focus can lead to tremendous opportunity, renewed hope and new options.
Whether there are things in your life that are going well or circumstances that are filled with difficulty (and even chaos) the idea that we can be given even more than we ever hoped for is quite encouraging and also a bit exciting.
The key is to choose your focus.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
(Philippians 4: 6-8)
As Cheryl shared in the newsletter, choosing your focus is a simple process:
#1 Expect the worst. What would be the worst thing that could happen in your current situation?
#2 Hope for the best. What would you like to see happen in this situation? In your life?
#3 Stick to the facts. What do you know right now? Do you need to research the facts?
#4 Consider next steps. What are your choices in this current situation?
#5 Take the perceived best next step. Is there a small step you can take to move forward? Or could it be a series of next steps?
Through this process ‘let your requests be made known to God’. Allow Him to guide you and guard your heart. He alone is faithful and trustworthy.
Lord we pray that You will open our eyes to the opportunities and hope and choices that You have purposed for our lives. Amen.