The rightful definition of the word focus is to be able to see clearly.

Around the turn of the 1900’s, an artist by the name Lillian Trotter left her promising career as an artist in England because God had given her the desire to reach the people of Algeria with the message of the good news of Jesus Christ. Without any support, she didn’t look back at what was left behind; she saw something more significant than herself waiting ahead for her. She spent most of her life there in the desert. Stripped of every distraction, time gave way to a closer understanding of the depths of Her sweet Jesus. So much so that it inspired her to write a poem.

The poem is called “Focused.”

Excerpt:

“For if the Sun of Righteousness has risen upon our hearts, there is an ocean of grace and love and power lying all around us, an ocean to which all earthly light is but a drop, and it is ready to transfigure us, as the sunshine transfigured the dandelion, and on the same condition—that we stand full face to God.
It is easy to find out whether our lives are focused and, if so, where the focus lies. Where do our thoughts settle when consciousness comes back in the morning? Where do they swing back when the pressure is off during the day? Does this test not give the clue? Then dare to have it out with God—and, after all, that is the shortest way. Dare to lay bare your whole life and be before Him, and ask Him to show you whether or not all is focused on Christ and His glory. Dare to face the fact that unfocussed good and useful as it may seem, it will prove to have failed of its purpose. What does this focussing mean? Study the matter, and you will see that it means two things—gathering in all that can be gathered and letting the rest drop.”

These poetic words that reflect God's word would go on to inspire many others, notably a musician by the name Helen Lemmel. She had read a pamphlet that highlighted Lily’s poem. She resonated with it in such a way that she put the poem to a song. The song has now been a blessing to many followers of Jesus Christ.

As I read this poem, knowing I have sung the song many times, the element that impacts me most is what has come into focus for me during my walk with Jesus. My time in God’s Word and meditating on His creation has grown my understanding His glory is at the top of all things. Putting His glory in its rightful place humbles me, allowing me to grow spiritually in the grace that he lovingly bestows upon us.

What is this familiar song we sing? “Turn your eyes upon Jesus.”

As the verse ends, it reminds us to ” look full in His wonderful face, and things of this earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

Whatever toil is in your soul today, whatever questions lie heavy on your heart, whatever sorrow you carry, turn your eyes upon Jesus, friend.

“For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

Rev. 7:17