I’m not sure where I heard the saying, but it holds true for
me. “When my mind wanders, it sometimes
brings back souvenirs.” Sometimes I get
so distracted, and struggle to focus on what I’m reading or listening to.
Yesterday, I was very distracted during worship. It seemed like the more I tried to focus on
the words I was singing to my Savior, the more I started thinking about the errands
I needed to run or what we were eating for lunch. Unfortunately, this isn’t something that only happens at church. This mind wandering takes place during conversations
with friends and even my quiet times. I
have good intentions, but get distracted with planning the day’s activities.
When this happens, I begin to feel like Peter, when he fell
asleep. “Couldn’t you
men keep watch with me for one hour?” Jesus
asked Peter. “Watch and
pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the
flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:40-41).
I desire to seek my Father more intently, but my flesh is so weak. I confess this often, but am starting to get
frustrated at myself. I love what Joyce
Meyer’s says about this matter. “Think
about something on purpose. If you give the devil empty space, he will fill it.”
I need to become more disciplined in mind
and not let it wander to whatever it pleases.
I must start intently focusing on His Word. I find that reading my devotions out loud,
helps in this matter. I actually have to
think about the words I’m reading. I
also keep a piece of paper beside me. If
I think of something, I write it down.
This gives me freedom to worship and mediate, without worrying about
forgetting something that needs to be done later. The Bible tells us to submit to God. At the
same time, we learn that when we resist the devil, he will flee (James 4:7). When I realize that I’m getting distracted, I
often tell the devil to “leave me alone. This is my time with God, and there is
no room for you.”
I’m thankful that I serve a God who is patient and truly knows my heart and thoughts. I’m honest with Him and am asking for His strength to stay focused. He desires a sincere & honest relationship with me more than he wants me to just go through the motions.
Most driving and carriage horse wear blinders. This prevents
them from looking at the side or trying to turn around and see things that are
behind. They keep the horse from getting
distracted or spooked by new objects on the streets. Blinders help horses to
concentrate and keep looking forward, to focus on where they are going. My prayer today is for spiritual
blinders. I want to focus on where God
leading, not where I have been. I don’t
want to get distracted by things of the world and miss the destination that God
has in store.
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