For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. – 2 Cor. 4:17-18
Not looking at the things which are seen, but looking at the things which are not seen, doesn’t mean we ignore what we should handle. It’s being able to see a condition from an eternal perspective. The more our focus is on the things of God, the more our affliction appears small. As we look to God, we believe in His greatness and ability to help us through in all seasons.
What we focus on often becomes clearer than what surrounds it. When we go to a movie theater and sit too close to the screen, we do not see the entire picture correctly. We step back and then it becomes clearer. To keep our focus on the Lord, we sometimes need to step back to regain clear insight. As we walk by faith, our ability to focus on Christ, and our determination to keep that focus, increases.
Problems come to the surface, trying to make us focus our attention on the problems, instead of on the promises of God. As we magnify the Lord, all else is minimized. Let’s keep our eyes on God, His person, His promises, His purposes, and His principles. We exalt the Lord. We magnify His holy name and all that is not of Him is brought low, from glory to glory!