The Power of Focus – Positive and Negative Imagination

Whatever we focus on, or think continuously on, is magnified, or enlarged in our minds. Our thoughts have a great deal to do with our feelings and experiences. The Bible refers to this idea in Proverbs 23:7 where it says “as he thinks in his heart so is he.”
We could say, “as a man thinks in his heart (believes) so is it in his imagination and experience.” We are made in the image and likeness of God, and our thoughts, imaginations and words have creative power.
My dictionary defines imagine as: “to form a mental picture of something not present.” Does that phrase sound a little familiar? Like… “Faith (believing) is the substance of things hoped for (earnestly expected), the evidence of things not seen.” That’s in Hebrews 11:1. And Jesus said in Matthew 9:29 that “according to your faith be it unto you.” Wow! That is power, spiritual law or force.
Let me offer this real life example that I think most of us get unconsciously or half-consciously caught up in, at least briefly. When a TV program or commercial comes on that mentions a disease and symptoms, or warns of various potential disease consequences from taking a particular drug or medication, do you find yourself starting to focus on your own body, checking it for symptoms and evidence of that disease? Just the suggestion of the possibility shifts our focus and attention. Negative faith, based on fear, is given an opportunity to be believed and magnified. That fear message is out there every day, even possibly every hour! Focused imagination looks for, and magnifies a symptom.
And when we are confronted with a more substantial symptom in our bodies, our focus on it will also magnify it through our imagining, and give it greater creative force and power. Our alternative, of course, is to focus on God and His greater spiritual force and power. But it is still “according to our faith” and whatever we focus on the most, we give greater creative faith-power to.
This same spiritual force or law of focus operates in all areas of our lives. Finances, jobs, the economy is another prime example where a focus on negative circumstances or consequences with active imagination can lead toward self-fulfilling prophecies. Fear (negative faith) is also creative. But we can also consciously choose and maintain a focus with our spiritual vision and eyes upon God, His promise and provision of health and material blessing, and use our God-given power of imagination on the positive creative side of faith.
We do have to notice though, whether we are perceiving /viewing from a carnal/physical mindset or the spiritual mind of Christ and His graced Provision. That is the key, and ultimately our choice. The carnal mind is at enmity with God (James 4:4). Our spiritual mind of Christ will be in agreement and co-create with Him. That is exciting and miraculous!
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
02/12/2016