Distractions – a thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else
Distractions come when we are not grounded in our purpose. We get easily swayed and our vision is derailed.
I can speak for myself, this has happened to me. As a wife and a mother of three with other responsibilities it is very easy for me to be pulled in so many directions.
Distractions are subtle
It doesn’t necessarily come in the form of a snake or temptation to sin.
It could actually be a good thing but you have to ask yourself, does it align with the vision or purpose that God has for me. Don’t be thrown off of your assignment.
Let your eyes look straight ahead fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.
~Proverbs 4:25 -26 ~
How to stay focused
How can we remain on course when we have things coming from different directions?
Praying Against Distractions
First thing is to stay prayed up. It doesn’t matter what you are focusing on, Ministry, career, business, school or relationships. If you are not speaking to God first you will be out of wack.
Matthew 6:33 says but seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
This is the truth!! When I put my focus on God and I’m prayed up from the morning my whole day is on point.
After you speak with God, set goals to keep yourself on the mission; whatever that may be.
Get a planner or journal
I like writing my goals down on paper. One thing I highly recommend is get a planner or a journal.
Your first entry should be a brainstorm of all your ideas. Then you write down the timeline of when you would like to complete each task.
You can write a to-do list daily or weekly whatever works for you. I like to cross items off my list so I can see the progress. It keeps me motivated and focused.
Get an accountability partner
Do you have an accountability partner like your spouse, sibling or mentor?
We all need that person that is not afraid to tell you the truth. There are times when we cannot see the big picture or think rationally.
In my head I think I can do it all and believe me I do try. Thank God for my husband; he helps me hit that pause button.
put God first
It’s great that we learn how not to get distracted with accomplishing tasks. What about our relationship with God?
How often do we get distracted with activities or busyness.
One thing I enjoy about being in quarantine is the amount of time I can spend with God; reading the Word or praying or just listening.
I don’t want to go back to “normal” if it distracts me from my relationship with God.
I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.
~1 Corinthians 7:35~
I strongly believe that all this craziness was allowed to get our attention and bring us back in alignment with His purpose.
So how can we make sure that we remain in Him as we venture back out into the world.
identify the distractions
Well let’s identify the things that can distract us from our walk.
First, social media and the news. Staying up to date on every news story out there is one of the biggest distractions for me.
I’ve been like that for years even before I was saved. I think I missed my calling as an investigative reporter.
Do things For God not man
The second distraction. People! Yes I said it. Our relationships are a huge distraction.
Everyday I’m about to sit down with my computer and my AirPods playing some soothing music, ready to dive into my studies. All of a sudden I hear Ma coming from all over the place.
Everyone needs something at that moment. I know I’m not alone!
Stop Busyness
I’m a little hesitant with this one but it must be said.
Our activity, busyness and ambitions are pulling us away like high tide.
There is such a fine line between serving God and serving our egos.
We have all been guilty of it. It’s so important to examine ourselves daily. It’s not pretty when the ugly is thrown in your face but it’s necessary. I’ve been there.
but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.
~Mark 4:19~
The same strategies you use to overcoming distractions for accomplishing tasks can be applied to growing closer to God.
- Prayer is the key. Ask Him for wisdom in developing a plan to study the Word and find time to just be with Him.
- Then write down the plan and follow it. Also write down revelations you receive during that time.
- you can have the same accountability partner to keep you focused on your walk.
- daily self examination to see if you are walking through the narrow gate.
Avoiding distractions require a lot of self-control which is one of the fruits of the spirit. We’ll save that for another day.
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise
~Ephesians 5:15~
I wear many hats; Wife, Mom, Minister, Blogger and Entrepreneur.
It’s not easy juggling everything but with the Grace of God, I can do all things!
My plate is full but my cup runneth over!!
I believe that distraction and destruction go together. It can be something tragic but mostly I think it just hinders what God is doing for us when we can’t see it all like He does, the bigger picture.
I really appreciate your wise advice. I especially like where you said “There’s such a fine line between serving God and serving our egos.” You nailed it here! It’s too easy to get caught up in being a high achiever about everything but God.
This was a very timely post in a busy season for me! I love the practical ways you suggest to help curb distractions so we can put God first in every area of our lives.
I am in a season of eliminating distractions right now so this post came right on time for me. Thanks.
Praise God! I’m so happy you were blessed.
Great post !! Distractions are very hard !