A matter of Focus

There are people I know who are always talking about how bad things are, how evil the government is, how dire the economy has become, etc.  It has come to the point that if I see them coming, I start looking for the nearest exit.  Often, even at church, I hear this sort of conversation; constant focus on the down side of life, health, relationships and events.  I have discovered that if I don't make a conscious effort to do otherwise, it is very easy to be lured into this sort of thinking and talking.  For that reason, I deliberately focus on the upside.  Call me a Polly Anna if you will, but I'm happier this way.  The bad is always going to be there.  If the Lord tarries, it will become worse, however, we have a choice as to where we focus our attention.  Paul said it best in Philippians 3:13;  "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead..." (NLT)  The "what is ahead" for the Christ follower is life eternally with Jesus.  No matter how bad things get here in the "latter days", it only makes the promise of heaven sweeter. 
America may fall; the economy may go totally bonkers; radical Islam may over-run much of the world; Obama may win a second term (had to sneak that in the list of "bads") BUT...Jesus is coming again!!!  He has promised that those who persevere will receive a crown.  Once again Paul said it best in Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore since we also have such a large crowd of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God's throne." (HCSB)  And "soon and very soon" we'll be with Him.  Hallelujah!!!