Where Do We Focus Our Eyes? Finding Hope in the 'Things Above'

Sometimes, the day doesn't start right. Maybe you wake up feeling the weight of everything—the to-do list, the lingering stress, the little worries that pile up until you feel a dull ache of anxiety. You try the usual remedies: a cup of coffee, reading the news, or even a quick chat with a friend. But if you’re not careful, those things just add to the noise, right?

I’ve been there. I’ve been in that space where my mind is racing, filled with a mix of doubt, frustration, and just a general sense of ‘ugh.’ It’s easy to get caught in the current of the world’s problems, and before you know it, your hope feels as thin as the morning mist.

But then, something shifts. Maybe it’s a simple, unexpected call—a FaceTime from a child, a picture of a beloved relative. Suddenly, the noise doesn't just fade; it *dissolves*. The bitterness, the anxiety, the frustration—it all melts away like an ice cube on a warm day. It’s a powerful reminder that our focus dictates our feeling.

This week, I was reflecting deeply on this idea: What do we look at first thing in the morning? Do we open the news, the social feed, or do we intentionally direct our gaze toward something higher?

The Power of Perspective: Following the Wisdom of God

The scripture speaks to this beautifully in Philippians 4:8–9. It’s a gentle, yet revolutionary, directive: "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are commendable, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Think about that. It’s not just about *what* we think, but *what* we choose to keep our minds occupied with. Filling our minds with contemplation—with things that are true, pure, and lovely—doesn't just feel nice; it builds a foundation of confidence that can carry us through the hardest days. It’s spiritual architecture!

This concept ties directly into what the Book of Mormon teaches us about the Spirit. As Paul wrote in Romans 8:6, "For that which is the law of the Spirit of life is life and peace, but that which is the law of the flesh is death." It’s a constant choice, isn't it? Do we feed the anxious, critical, worldly parts of ourselves, or do we nurture the peace that comes from the Spirit?

When we feel overwhelmed, the temptation is to solve everything with our own energy—our own schedule, our own worrying. But the true peace comes when we consciously redirect that energy. We have to intentionally choose to remember the small blessings—the friend who called, the beautiful sunrise, the gift of health. And then, we must elevate that focus even higher: to the majesty of God.

Be Christlike in the Internet Missionary Field

This isn't just a Sunday morning thought; this is how we live as disciples anywhere, all the time. Whether you're in a missionary discussion, studying in a Book Club in HolyPlaces, or just scrolling through your phone, the question remains: Where is my gaze fixed?

As we continue to be Internet missionaries, we are constantly presenting a window into the Gospel. We can’t afford to let our own internal anxieties become the primary message. We must model the peace we preach.

I want to leave you with a challenge this week. Don't just *read* the scriptures; *meditate* on them. When you feel that wave of stress coming on, pause. Instead of reaching for the headlines, reach for a verse, or better yet, reach for a memory of profound gratitude. Name three things right now—things that bring you joy, big or small—and thank Heavenly Father for them. Then, lift your thoughts even higher: Thank Him for the truth that He is in control, and that in Him, we are safe.

Let’s make a covenant with ourselves to keep filling our minds with the things of the Spirit. Let’s fill our mouths with encouraging words for our neighbors, and let’s build a margin in our days specifically for divine interruptions—the moments when the Spirit whispers a gentle reminder to look up.

If you’re looking for more ways to deepen this study, I highly recommend checking out the latest resources on the Iron Rod. And if you want to discuss these concepts with others, join a Bible Study Group or a Book Club in HolyPlaces!