Let’s start out by defining the word, “fixation.”
Fixation: An obsessive interest in or feeling about someone or something. The action of making something firm or stable. A fixation occurs when an issue or conflict remains unresolved, leaving the individual focused on this stage and unable to move onto the next.
The latter definition really hits home for me and I believe for many others as well. We tend to fixate on things that are seemingly unresolved and we stay stuck and stagnant in that particular stage because of our inability to fix our gaze elsewhere. The bottom line is, the change all starts from within ourselves and where we fix our eyes, mind and heart.
I recently came across a Ted talk by author Robert Greene that asked this question: “Why do we fixate on the things we can see immediately when we crave change?”
“We humans tend to fixate on what we can see with our eyes, it is the most animal part of our nature. When we look at the changes and transformations in other people’s lives we see the good luck that someone had in meeting the right person with the right connections and funding, we see the book or the project that brings the money and the attention. In other words we see the visible signs of opportunity and success and we want that change in our own lives but we are grasping at an illusion. What really allows for such dramatic changes are the things that occur on the inside of a person and are completely invisible, the slow accumulation of knowledge and skills, the small incremental improvements in work habits and the ability to withstand criticism. Any change in people’s fortune is merely the visible manifestation of all of that deep preparation over time. By essentially ignoring this internal aspect we fail to change anything fundamental within ourselves and so in a few years’ time we reach our limits yet again, we grow frustrated, we crave change, we gravitate at something quick and superficial and we remain prisoners forever of these recurring patterns in our lives. The answer, the key to the ability to transform ourselves is actually insanely simple, to reverse this perspective Stop fixating on what other people are saying and doing; on the money, the connections, the outward appearance of things. Instead, look inward. Focus on the smaller internal changes that lay the groundwork for a much larger change in fortune. It is the difference between grasping at an illusion and immersing yourself in reality and reality is what will liberate and transform you.” –Robert Greene
It left me thinking about what we fix our eyes on daily and how often times if it’s not on the right things we are left discouraged, frustrated and weary.
We tend to fixate on:
-Ourselves
-Our wills
-Our circumstances
-Other people
-Our fears
-Our failures
-Our wants and desires
-On the “whys”
-On the “what ifs”
-The regrets
-The money or lack of money
-Being seen or appreciated
Where should we be fixing our eyes?
The Bible is very clear on where we should fix our eyes.
*On what is unseen. Not grasping at an illusion. We should be looking with spiritual eyes.
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal,” (2 Corinthians 4:18).
*On Jesus.
*On what is in front of you.
“Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you,” (Proverbs 4:25-27).
How do you fix your eyes on Jesus?
*Pray. Pray for spiritual eyes and direction. Pray for spiritual checks and discernment when you are fixating on the wrong things.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye,” (Psalm 32:8).
*Stay in the word. In order to remain clear on where your eyes, heart and mind should be you need to dig into the ultimate instruction manual; the Bible. It also goes hand and hand with praying as it teaches and guides you to what you should be praying about as well as how to pray.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work,” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path,” (Psalm 119:105).
*Praise and Worship. Praise and worship automatically re-focuses on Jesus. It instantly changes your perspective, attitude and heart. Throw on the worship music and dance and sing.
“Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens,” (Psalm 96:1-9).
Remember that when your eyes become fixated on The Lord, everything else seems to become less important and less stressful.
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