[This focus was originally sent 03/09/1999 (edited some with passage changed to ESV 03/14/2009)]
A mother suddenly realizes how quiet it is in the house. She calls out, “Johnny, what are you doing?” “Nothing, Mommy!”, comes the reply, and the mother knows she had better investigate.
Sometimes we are asked by another, “What are you thinking about?” How often is the answer, “Oh, nothing!”? Is the nothing really something? What is it to focus on nothing? Actually it can be great, depending on what that nothing is! What? Yes!
I am thinking of nothing!
In fact, my mind dwells on nothing!
My faith is in nothing!
My life rests on nothing!
My hope has been placed in nothing!
Nothing is good!
Nothing is joyful!
Nothing brings peace!
Nothing brings stability to my life!
Sound depressing? No! I am encouraged by nothing! I am greatly uplifted in focusing on nothing! If it weren’t for nothing I don’t know what I’d do!
Now you really think I’ve lost it! You may be wondering if my mind is good for nothing!
I shall continue to focus on nothing! I will know nothing! I will take hold of nothing! And I will press on because of nothing! Will you join me?
Now, before you say you’re not going down this road with me for anything, let me share a passage to clarify my focus. Paul encouraged the church in Rome with these words:
“(35) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? (36) As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” (37) No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (38) For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, (39) nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35-39 ESV)
Nothing here — not one of these things — has the power to separate me from the love of God and my relationship with the Lord Jesus. God wants us to understand that about our relationship with Him. He has provided the means to make this all possible. What a wonderful nothing on which to mediate. What a powerful nothing to encourage and uplift! What a nothing to fill us with hope and courage to press on in this life!
Now if you read my above list again it will hopefully make more sense. And my prayer is that you will be able to say it with me.
Have a great day FOCUSED ON THIS NOTHING!
Carl
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(“teEn-MAIL” is sent out daily by Carl Hanson, preacher for the Church of Christ in Port Townsend, Washington, USA, located at 230 A Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Come visit us if in the area.)
