“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!…I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.”
Psalms 119:9-10,15 (ESV)
Fixation: “a preoccupation with one subject, issue, etc.; obsession”
—Dictionary app #5
I chose this translation because it used the word fix. In last week’s devotion, I shared a link to an article about autism and fixation, and how hyperfixation differs from hyperfocus. I never realized there was a difference until I read the article. My AuDHD preteen daughter does both, which is often a coping mechanism, so she doesn’t have to focus on whatever it is she wants to avoid.
You can imagine that if fixation is already defined as obsession, how much more latched on is a person who is hyperfixating? You know that saying about snapping turtles? I’d say that comes pretty close.
Here are some types of hyperfixations:
- activities
- special interests
- food
- people
The biggest difference between hyperfixation and hyperfocus is that hyperfocus usually has a goal in mind, and once the goal is accomplished, the focus loses traction. For example, Kayla can hyperfocus on rescuing a cricket, but once the insect reaches safety, she’s finished with her task. However, when she is hyperfixated on something, it’s endless unless I interfere. Kayla often fixates on shows, games, insects—well, honestly, creatures of all kinds nonhuman—a specific device, and even people. When she’s obsessed, sometimes bringing it to her attention is enough to snap her out of it. I also put limitations on the things she obsesses over. For example, the girl can never have enough Youtube Kids, so I use parental controls to give her a time limit.
Not all hyperfixation is bad.
The verses above tell us we should obsess, but God only wants us hyperfixating on one thing—HIM. We are to constantly have our mind and heart fixated on God, his Word and his Son. Peter lost focus on Jesus when he met him out on the water. The storm got in the way, and he got distracted by fear. We are told to pray without ceasing. I can’t imagine how this is possible without fixating our mind on God throughout the entire day. The heart represents our emotions and desires. That’s why it’s deceitful, and instead of following it, we must master it. Look inside yours. Whatever it’s fixated on that’s not God—that’s an idol.
Ways we can hyperfixate on God:
- When a problem arises, immediately pray.
- Read the Bible like it’s the only thing worth reading.
- Study scripture as if you’re going to have a test that will forever alter your life.
- Let praise and thankfulness, whether in word or song, always be on your lips.
- Ask God before making any decision—no matter how large or tiny.
What are you obsessed with? What are you children fixated on? Let’s help them to hyperfixate on God.
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