Distractions!

Distractions

                           Good Morning Holy Spirit – Daily Devotion

Good Morning Friend, in this technological advancement era we are almost looking for everything to be uninterrupted and aiming for a seamless connection. Be it an electricity, water supply, internet connection, radio signals, phone signals, etc.

We get annoyed so quickly when there is an interruption. When the power didn’t come back or if the backup doesn’t work, when there is no water supply, when there is a signal issue during critical business meeting or could be even during chatting with friend. We look for various mode to do something in order to rectify the issue immediately. Don’t we?

On the other hand, there is always a distraction or an interruption when we sit in God’s presence to pray, study the word of God? Have we got annoyed about this? Did we look for ways to fix the issue? It’s high time to look for options to fix it.

What is Distraction?

According to the definition given, Distraction is the process of diverting the attention of an individual or group from a desired area of focus and thereby blocking or diminishing the reception of desired information.

It is also given this is caused by the lack of ability to pay attention; lack of interest in the object of attention; or the great intensity, attractiveness of something other than the object of attention.

There are two means of distraction – external & internal sources. External may include social media, Whats-App messages, Netflix, your amazon prime, phone calls, people and the internal sources may include worrying, anxiety, stress, weakness, fear, doubts, and sometimes day dreaming.

What are your distractions during your time with God?

Are you feeling tired, sleepy? Are you thinking about what went on the previous day? Suddenly are you switching to the priorities of that day or concerned about your to-do-list? Are your phone’s social media notifications catching your attention? Are you worried even while praying? Are your mind/thoughts wavering and lacks attention during your time with God? Do you feel convicted of your mistakes and due to which you lack focus during your time with God?

It’s not something that happens to you alone, many goes through this. There is a famous quote saying as, "Don’t let the noise of the world keep you from hearing the voice of the Lord".

When we give room for these things to consume our time, we drift away from God's plan & purposes of our life so easily. Satan seeks us to distract us in all ways possible. Be vigilant. “1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”

How to overcome these distractions during your time with God?

Being intentional & proactive can help us to overcome or cut off the distractions.

1.    Give body enough rest (Sleep for at least 6 to 7 hrs) which will help to overcome the tiredness during your meet with God.    

2.    Set up a routine and set apart a place & time for your recurring meeting with God. It takes some effort to create but once we have set them up, it has lots of benefits, you will feel more organized and balanced with your time and this will lower the stress level. Your mind will start to realize it’s a time for God. This will help you to overcome the guilt of not being consistent with God during your prayer time. 

3.    Pay attention to what distractions are particularly hard to avoid, so you can catch them sooner. For example, if your phone notifications are a major hindrance – switch it off when you sit for prayer time

 4.    When you feel a desire to give in to a distraction, take a breath and purposely choose not to react to it. Once you’ve given in and allowed yourself to focus on something else, like reading emails, writing an action item in your to-do-list it’s harder to regroup and bring your attention back. Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. In short, be mindful of your thoughts, instead of allowing yourself to skip between task and distraction.

Have a blessed weekend😇

In Christ Alone

Justina Stephen