Curing “Blur-itis”

photo © 2008 Joe Flintham | more info (via: Wylio)

Blur-itis:

To lose clear vision. Common condition displayed in humans who don’t slow down in life to clearly focus on the big picture. Becoming overwhelmed. Results when too much happens at a too fast of pace.
Itis; to become inflamed.

Of course, I cleverly put these words together to make up my very own word. (I use the word cleverly loosely.) However, losing focus of the very things God wants to produce in you can be a tragic thing. Especially during the holidays, so many of us have a sense of being overwhelmed by the various events life brings, it’s easy to come down with a common case of blur-itis.

Symptoms:

Living life at top speed, exhausted from stress, hospital visits, a death of someone you care about, a sudden new responsibility or an added change in your daily schedule can all contribute to this condition of blurriness. Becoming inflamed (itis) when even the smallest obstacle causes great frustration.

Treatment Information:

STOP! Even if it’s just, what I call, a 5 minute vacation…stop. Put the phone down, turn away from the computer, close the door and take a few deep breaths!  Know that God has equipped you with everything you need that He has called you to do. (2 Peter 1:1-8) Stop what you are doing, rest and reflect on the Word of God.

MEDITATE: Don’t let your heart continue to be troubled! Say the scriptures out loud, so your own ears can hear. (Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God) Find scriptures that speak to your situation. Read what God has to say about you!  Allow the Word to locate you, to discover your condition (Hebrews 4:12) and to bring you healing. My favorite scripture is always the one that I need right now. Be familiar with God’s Word and meditate on it. The Word will renew you!

SAY “NO”! Accepting too many responsibilities will burn you out, blur your focus, and zap your “big picture” seeing abilities. Exhaustion is a robber of unfulfilled goals and clarity of vision. You cannot clearly hear or see when you are exhausted with unnecessary responsibilities. There is an enemy whose job is to wear you out. (2 Corinthians 10:3) Don’t let him do it!

CHANGE YOUR VIEW. Take a walk. Get out and play. I had a friend who was fighting depression, she made herself get out, even if it meant getting dressed up to go get a cup of coffee at McDonalds, get out and do something other than what you SHOULD be doing. Studies show that most creative, innovative thinkers are not slaves to the desk. They add variety to their lives and keep their minds sharp by enjoying life.

REACH. After having done the above, make sure you reach out to someone else. (Galatians 5:13 & 14)Do not be so consumed with the world of your own blurriness that you refuse to do the “focus work” in seeing those around you, outside your own world.  As you do this last step of reaching, your vision will become clearer, more focused and no longer blurry.

RE-FOCUS. 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 reminds us that our struggles develop us even when progress is not visible. We have to set our eyes on the invisible and the eternal value of any trial always exceeds the temporary hardship. Focus on the big picture! If it doesn’t matter in the light of eternity…it doesn’t matter. Re-focus on the plan that God has for you! He wants to do for you exceeding, abundantly, above all you could ask or think, according to the power that is at work within you! How exciting!!! 2 Corinthians 2:14 reminds you that HE always leads you to triumph in Christ! Let Him cure you of blur-itis!

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