Thriving Despite Distractions

Thriving Despite Distractions

Focus despite distractions

Are you at a dead end?
Are you tied to the mundane?
Do you miss God in your life?

Jesus said, “You’re tied down to the mundane; I’m in touch with what is beyond your horizons. You live in terms of what you see and touch. I’m living on other terms. I told you that you were missing God in all this. You’re at a dead end. If you won’t believe I am who I say I am, you’re at the dead end of sins. You’re missing God in your lives.” (John 8:23-24, MSG)

What keeps you from enjoying God’s presence?
Because God has not moved.
God has not cancelled his promises.
God has not changed his mind.
God’s love is forever the same.

What kind of distractions keep you away from God?
They can be lovely, ordinary things
but they can be spiritual killers.
They can be wonderful opportunities
but they can keep you from focusing on God.
They can be exciting, happy things
but they can distract you from the real thing.

What needs to go….or to be added…. so you can focus on God?
Because God is the source of life.
Without him we are at the dead end of sins.
Without him we are not really alive.
Without him we are nothing.

But your loyal love, Lord, extends to the skies;
    your faithfulness reaches the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the strongest mountains;
    your justice is like the deepest sea.
        Lord, you save both humans and animals.
Your faithful love is priceless, God!
    Humanity finds refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the bounty of your house;
    you let them drink from your river of pure joy.
Within you is the spring of life.
    In your light, we see light.
(Psalm 36: 5-9, CEB)

The only way to thrive in life is to abide in Christ. We need to either let something go to create more space for God or we need to stick to Jesus so closely that we can focus on God despite of distractions. What works for you is up to you and God to figure out.

Thriving is possible. But only in God. I realize that even just a couple of days of not soaking myself in the Word of God leaves me more vulnerable for the worldly influence. I need to stick closely to Jesus. But when I do so…..I can thrive despite of distractions. But by God’s grace alone.

 

Gracious God,
Forgive us that we let mundane things
distract us from your presence.
Show us how to abide in you
so we can stay dedicated to you
despite of distractions.
Show each of us what needs to go
so we won’t miss you in our lives.
Be our everything, Lord.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: What kind of distractions keep you away from God?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you navigate life in Jesus!

Image courtesy of Jonathan Zajas. Linking up today with Faith Filled Friday.

8 thoughts on “Thriving Despite Distractions

  1. This may sound weird, but reading scripture doesn’t make me ‘feel’ closer to God.  It just makes me ask more questions that don’t have answers.  It tells me ‘about’ Him, but doesn’t seem to help me ‘know’ Him.  I’m saved, but quite honestly, the Bible confuses me.  It’s not so much about being distracted as it is not understanding what I’m reading…and because it’s a translation, there’s a fear that it didn’t really grasp the true meaning.

    So…how do you ‘abide’ when the Word isn’t helping?

    1. Whoever is saved as been given the Holy spirit, What we believer need to do is to ask him to explain the word of God to us whenever we are reading his word. Pray everytime to God before you start reading, it helps you to tell your mind to God. God wants to speak to us as he wants us to speak to him (communication which later leads to relationship.)

    2. Great question! Thanks for asking! Prayer is the key to abiding and to understanding the Bible. We can’t understand it on our own (Like Petwal2 said). Ask God to show you what this means and how you can apply it into your life. Also, what Bible translations you read? Have you tried the Message translation? I recommend that, it opens up the Bible easier. And start with reading the New testament first. But abiding in Christ means communing with God, telling him about your day, your life, your dreams and hopes, your fears. And listening what he tells you. God’s promises are true even when you don’t feel God’s presence. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you out. BLESSINGS to you as you seek Him!

  2.  Yes, the enemy will try to do all he can to put distractions in front of us.  Even good ones.  That’s when we need to become intentional in our focus.  This has been a great reminder for me.  I need to refocus!

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