You've heard the expression, "they must have their blinders on." This is usually in reference to someone who looks clueless as to what is happening around them, things others think they should be paying attention to. I think there are times, however, when wearing blinders is exactly what we need to do. Too often we get caught up in what is happening around us, and that distraction keeps us from focusing on what is really important.
When worries about family, jobs, health, or even what's going on in the world overwhelm us, it is time to put our blinders on to keep us focused. Blinders do not block our sight, they narrow our focus. Our focus should be on the One who who is creator of all things and is above all things. He knows our every situation and already has has a plan for us. We need only to focus on Him and not on what is going on around us. He will carry us through whatever our current circumstances are and can give us peace in the process.
There is a story in the Bible about Peter being in a boat and seeing Jesus walking on the water. Peter said, "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you." Jesus said "Come" and Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the water. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:30). You see, as long as his focus was on Jesus, he could walk on the water. When he took his focus off Jesus and focused on his surroundings, he began to sink. Jesus reached out his hand and saved him. Jesus can reach out his hand and save you, too.
In Proverbs 3:5-6 it says"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." We are not to focus on our understanding, our perception, or our circumstances, but instead focus on Him and trust him, with all our hearts. We can submit our ways and concerns to Him, and He will make a way for us.
Friends, when circumstances and our surroundings are overwhelming to us, let's "put our blinders on" and narrow our focus to the One who can give us peace and will carry us through.
Sometimes blinders are a good thing!
Prov 3:5
