Distraction. When I considered what to write today, I asked the Lord to show me what He was currently working on in my life. What am I going through that might shed some light for my readers? I had some thoughts that would’ve worked, but even now I can’t recall what they were. What I ended up with, was how effectively the enemy uses distraction.

What is the definition of distraction? It is something that prevents us from giving our full attention, in this case, to God.

What does distraction look like? It can be inner dialogue: What am I going to eat? What am I going to wear? What am I going to do? I’m too fat. I’m too stupid. I don’t know what I’m doing. It could be comparison: So and so is so much better at this. I should do it the way so and so does it. It could come as procrastination: I think I’ll just sit down for a minute and check my email. I’ll just read one more chapter. I’ll get to it as soon as this show is over.

Even now, writing this list, I’m getting distracted by all the things that I could write down as being a distraction! Whew!

No wonder why God has been teaching me all about writing with Him. If it was up to me I would be so distracted by all my insecurities, coping mechanisms, and desire to be praised for my insights and my wit, I would be wallowing in the muddy “me” soup!

That’s why I chose this scripture:

We don’t focus on the things that can be seen but on the things that can’t be seen. The things that can be seen don’t last, but the things that can’t be seen are eternal.‬‬

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:18‬ ‭CEB

The seen and the unseen. In this scripture the seen refers to our earthly troubles and the unseen is our kingdom life. But this next scripture explores the seen and unseen in a different light.

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Ephesians‬ ‭6:12‬ ‭NLT

Some of our troubles are not human or earthly in the physical sense, but they are earthly in the spiritual sense – the unseen world. I have to go back to the previous verse and ask myself where I am looking? Am I so focused on my physical limitations that I forget the power wielded by the Almighty God? Have I forgotten who I am and whose I am? Where is my heart?

Stop collecting treasures for your own benefit on earth, where moth and rust eat them and where thieves break in and steal them. Instead, collect treasures for yourselves in heaven, where moth and rust don’t eat them and where thieves don’t break in and steal them. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.‬‬

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:19-21‬ ‭CEB

The temporal doesn’t surpass the eternal. I may struggle with my weight, with my depression, and my back pain. I may be irritated with my spouse, my church, or my abilities as a writer or singer. I may spend too much time reading or playing games. I may kick myself for being disorganized or late to a meeting. But, the tragedy comes when I allow the accuser to steal my focus. To bring me to condemnation and rob me of my joy.

Distractions come in many forms with varying affects on my life. I can’t always change the form but I can transform it by restoring my focus, searching for the heavenly treasure that will fill my heart. Seeking God first.

This is a challenge – egged on by the enemy – that God is moving with power to bring victory in my life. He will do the same for you.

Grace & Peace,

Sandy

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay