A devotional I was reading
recently asked the question, “Why is turning our focus from the things around
us and concentrating on God so important –and so hard—for us to do?
Why is it hard to stick to a devotional routine? Why do our minds wander during prayer? Why are we so easily distracted during the times we are trying to connect with God?
I think these things are tools Satan can use to put a wrench in our spiritual life. He doesn’t want us drawing close to God. He doesn’t want us to intimately communicate with God. Satan doesn’t want us to focus our attention on God. So, he uses distractions and diversions.
The world is loud and strident; God whispers. (1 Kings 19:11-13) The world is fast and hectic, but to God, a thousand years are like a single day. (2 Peter 3:8) The world is demanding and confrontational, while God offers and asks. (1 Timothy 2:4)
So, how do we turn our focus from the things around us and truly commune with God? I have found a few helpful disciplines that work for me.
Starting my day with time in God’s presence helps. If I try to fit in a few moments with God later, it never happens. It’s why I get up early—before anyone else in the house is awake.
While I love reading devotionals that others have written, I need a little dose of undiluted Scripture each day. It doesn’t have to be a whole chapter or a set sequence of verses. I just need to take a few minutes to let the Word sink in, to marinate. Sometimes it is less than the time it takes to brew a cup of tea.
Creating a sacred physical space helps me. Putting aside my phone, turning off the TV, dimming the lights, closing my eyes, kneeling—all these little adjustments help me separate from the world so I can enter God’s presence.
What helps you shut out distractions when you want to spend time with God? Please share so we can all . . .
Be encouraged!
