I think I could write a book on distractions. I have delt with being easily distracted my whole life. I’m sure you have heard the saying, “You know you are getting old when you walk into a room and don’t remember why you went there!” Well, I did that even when I was younger because I have the tendency to get thrown off track easily and think of too many things at once.
Last week I wrote about being ready for any task and I mentioned distractions. Yes, distractions can hinder us in many ways by keeping us from: completing a task, achieving a goal, answering a calling on our life, doing good work for the Lord, family or friends, recognizing warning signs, finding truth, or spending time in prayer and Bible study.
I have learned how to work with my distractions pretty well. I now know:
- A lot of distractions come from Satan especially if it benefits my spiritual walk with God.
- My mind has to be disciplined to focus.
- I have to take steps to reign myself back to the task. I have to tell myself, “No, stay focused on this task right now, other things can wait.”
- I have to know my physical and mental limits and say “No” to some request for my time; many things are good, but not all good things are good to do at this time for me.
Distractions hit the hardest when I try Bible reading and prayer. I find myself so tired I can hardly stay with it, or I get hundreds of thoughts bombarding my mind. Why? Because Satan doesn’t want us to succeed. It’s especially hard when we step out to do God’s work, but after a while when we learn to focus, we can overcome distractions a lot easier.
Distractions keep us unfocused and unbalanced if we let them. We have to recognize first off what’s going on, then do something about it. Often, we need to say a little prayer for God’s help to stay on point and accomplish our task. It’s all about focus. Try saying Philippians 4:13.
“The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus.” Bruce Lee
For a while I didn’t understand the story of Mary and Martha because I have served many meals. What Martha was doing was necessary, but I have come to realize that the necessary thing should not take the place of the primary thing; the thing of great importance.
Luke 10:40-42 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her.”
Mary recognized the primary thing taking place, precious time with Jesus. Mary chose the better thing. This was very important because, 1. Jesus was there, our Lord was in their presence. 2. Jesus would only be with them for a short time.
In life we often spend more energy on unimportant things than important things. We really should begin to recognize the primary things in our lives and the Lord should be number one and all other things will fall in place.
In today’s world there are endless distractions, many are on purpose to distract us from the truth, or to distract us from fulfilling God’s work. With prayer and God’s help, we can recognize, focus, and go do what needs to be done. We also need to use our God given brains to weed through all the distractions and think not just react. Last week I talked about one very important part of being ready for any task; that is to make a plan. Part of that plan should be fixing our eyes on Jesus.
Hebrews 12:2 Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
I don’t know where life finds you today. Maybe you can do a task without distractions, but a person can’t live their life for the Lord without them? But really, is it possible for anyone to navigate this world without distractions? Can we even find the truth without sifting through a maze of them first?
On earth, I hate to tell you but distractions are here to stay. We need to spot them and navigate through them for a productive and fulfilling life, but we are never alone in doing this.
Matthew 28:20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen
In my life I have done a lot of cooking and cleaning and other things in service, but in the last 20 years my focus and vision has become clearer. I, like Mary, want to choose the better thing. The priority in these last days should be people’s souls and their need for prayer. People need Jesus. I, need Jesus! I must daily choose the better thing, time with Jesus and doing his good work. You know what? I still get all other things done. The Lord somehow redeems our time when we are faithful.
Prayer
Lord, I ask you to bind up the deceiver and his distractions in my life. May I choose to walk in your presence in strength and ability to accomplish much for you and for my family. Lord, help us navigate through the distractions of this world and find truth to stand on. Help us find joy in our purpose by giving us the strength to focus. May we live a life pleasing to you, Oh Lord, our Redeemer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
God Bless,
Sally
