I will give them a heart to know Me, for I am the LORD; and they will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with their whole heart. (Jeremiah 24:7)
Several years ago, I had a high fever that led to a surprising side effect – vertigo caused by a small particle dislodged in my ear, sending messages to my brain that I was moving when I was not. The treatment was physical therapy.
When I met with the physical therapist, his specialty was treating vertigo. He explained that he must trigger my vertigo to correct it. At that point, I was very hesitant about this process, but I needed some relief. I was willing to try almost anything and everything to regain my health. While I did not enjoy my time in physical therapy, my vertigo lessened and I was able to manage my symptoms.
Yes – that is right – I still have occasional vertigo but I know when it is coming and how to counter my symptoms. One thing that has helped me tremendously has been having a focal point in a room that “tells” my brain that I am not moving or I am not moving that quickly. This focal point technique has prevented vertigo from reoccurring as often or to the degree it had.
I have used the idea of a focal point in my relationship with God as well. Let’s face it, we need to have a focal point, in the dizziness of life, that keeps us grounded. There are a few things that are visible and tangible that help be keep my focus on Jesus: a stained-glass cross; a picture of a waterfall or sandy beach; a lit candle; my Holy Bible; and my prayer beads. When I look at these items, I take a deep breath and am reminded that I am God’s beloved.
My invitation to you is to find those things in your life that may be used as a “Jesus” focal point, so when life makes you dizzy, you have tools that remind you that you belong to God, and you are loved. May God make it so. Amen.