The Unexpected Connection No One Talks About
It was a crisp autumn morning when I found myself wandering through Baby Park, a local gem filled with winding trails and towering trees. The leaves had turned shades of fiery red and golden yellow, and the air carried the earthy scent of fallen foliage. As I walked, I noticed something striking. When I focused on the beauty around me—the sunlight filtering through the canopy, the gentle rustle of the breeze—it was breathtaking. But the moment my gaze dropped to the trail beneath my feet, all I could see were broken branches, muddy puddles, and bits of litter scattered along the path.
What I focused on determined what I found.
That walk through Baby Park turned into a profound lesson. In Scripture, God promises, “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me” (Jeremiah 29:13, NLT). But there’s an unspoken truth here, too: if you choose to look for faults, flaws, and reasons to be bitter, you’ll find those just as easily.
This reality isn’t just true for a walk in the park or our relationship with God—it shapes the way we experience everything.
The Dual Lens of Life: God or Grievance
Life offers us two lenses: one that seeks God, and one that seeks grievance. Much like autumn, where the same scene can be stunningly beautiful or frustratingly messy, what you choose to focus on determines your experience.
If you seek God, you’ll find Him everywhere—in the kindness of others, the beauty of creation, and even in life’s challenges. But if you choose to zero in on life’s imperfections—like broken relationships, unfair circumstances, or personal failures—those will dominate your perspective.
Jesus Himself warned about this mindset when He said, “Do not judge, so that you will not be judged” (Matthew 7:1, NASB). This isn’t just a call to avoid hypocrisy; it’s a reminder that what we look for in others often reflects the condition of our own hearts. When you focus on someone else’s flaws, it becomes harder to see the image of God in them.
But here’s the hope: the reverse is true as well. When you seek God in others—even in those who are broken or difficult to love—you’ll find glimpses of His handiwork in unexpected places.
The Danger of Seeking Fault
We live in a world that often rewards criticism. Social media feeds thrive on outrage, workplace conversations spiral into gossip, and fault-finding seems to be a cultural pastime. Yet Proverbs 11:27 warns us: “If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you!” (NLT).
Think about that. If you intentionally look for the good, you’ll encounter grace, peace, and connection. But if you’re constantly scanning for mistakes, conflicts, or reasons to complain, you’ll find those—and the bitterness that comes with them.
The irony is that a critical spirit doesn’t harm the person or situation you’re critiquing nearly as much as it harms you. It darkens your perspective, leaving little room for gratitude, joy, or personal growth.
The Reward of Seeking God
On the flip side, seeking God shifts your entire perspective. Life doesn’t magically become easy or perfect, but when you focus on Him, His presence becomes evident even in the ordinary.
This truth lies at the heart of Matthew 7:7: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (NASB). Seeking God requires an intentional choice to lift your gaze, especially when circumstances tempt you to focus on what’s wrong.
What’s more, seeking God doesn’t just change your perspective—it transforms your heart. The more you look for Him, the more you’ll notice His grace and faithfulness woven through every detail of your life.
Practical Steps to Change Your Focus
So how do we break the habit of seeking fault and choose to seek God instead? Here are a few practical ways to get started:
- Start with Gratitude
Begin each day by writing down three things you’re thankful for. Gratitude helps you recognize God’s goodness in even the smallest moments.
- Pause Before You Criticize
Before pointing out a flaw—whether in someone else, a situation, or even yourself—ask: “Am I looking through the lens of love or judgment?”
- Immerse Yourself in Scripture
Consistent time in God’s Word realigns your heart with His truth. Verses like Psalm 34:8—“Taste and see that the Lord is good” (NLT)—remind us to actively seek His goodness in every situation.
- Surround Yourself with Encouragers
Spend time with people who inspire you to see the good in others and who model gratitude and faith. Their influence will help you develop a more positive focus.
- Pray for a Renewed Perspective
Ask God to give you eyes to see His presence and hands to serve others. As Psalm 51:10 beautifully says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me” (NLT).
A Final Thought
That morning in Baby Park taught me something profound: you find what you’re looking for. Life, like autumn, is a mix of beauty and brokenness. If you look for God, you’ll see His fingerprints everywhere. But if you’re searching for flaws—whether in others, your circumstances, or even yourself—you’ll find those, too.
The choice is yours: seek God or seek fault. One path leads to life, joy, and peace; the other to frustration and bitterness.
So, what are you looking for today?
Let’s start seeking God together.
If this message spoke to you, share it with someone who could use a reminder to shift their focus. And let’s connect —how do you refocus on God when life feels overwhelming?
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