Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. -Psalm 86:11 NIV
Excitement spreads across Emily’s face when she enters the toy store. It is a busy saturday morning, the store rustles, families perusing the shelves. Her father gently squeezes her shoulders and asks her to stay close and within sight. Emily nods, eyes wide taking off at her father’s release. Displays line the hallway with a myriad of colors and textures. Her attention bounces from item to item, bright blue and purple plush toys, beautiful barbie sets, kinetic sand kits and many more options are within her reach.
Emily’s father told her to pick one toy to take home, but she wonders how she could choose just one. To make the best choice, she must see all the store offers. In her exploring, she picks up items that most interest her and moves on to the next aisle. Captivated by all of the beautiful things, she ventures further and further into the store.
After a while, she looks up from her armful of options and looks around. Her father is nowhere to be seen. Her brow furrows in concern and she calls out, “Dad?” She hears nothing but the hum of chatter and distant music. She drops all of her toys as panic sets in. She launches forward, steps hasten from aisle to aisle and she continues to call his name. Finally, she hears, “ Honey, I am over here!”
She looks back, following the direction of his voice. He steps out from an aisle not far from where she began. Emily begins to cry and runs to meet him. Her heart flutters with relief to be back in the safety of his arms. “ I thought I lost you, I am so sorry daddy!” she chokes out between sobs. His gentle reply soothes her, “ It’s ok sweetie, I was not far, I’m right here.”
The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. -Mathew 13:22 ESV
Although I am a bit too old to be distracted by the items in a toy store, distractions come in many forms. If the enemy cannot trick us into believing God is not real, then He will do his best to separate us from His presence and make us unproductive.
Jesus lumps together the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth in the verse above. It seems a bit strange because they are opposite issues, but it is brilliant. The two scenarios I find myself in when I am distracted are if I am in need or if I am too comfortable. If I am in need then the temptation is to focus all of my effort toward filling that need. For us, this might look like medical bills, relationships or time to do that project that has been sitting. It could be the smallest need, like an item on your to do list. Too many times I have opted to do the dishes instead of spending time with the Lord first thing in the morning.
The deceitfulness of wealth has the same effect. If I am too comfortable, it can be way too easy to choose from the abundance of other things to focus on apart from the Lord. These abundant luxuries can come in the form of social media, television, books, sports, careers, shopping and so much more. These things aren’t bad but when we give attention to them more than we spend time with the Lord, it is a problem.
Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. -Proverbs 30:8-9 NIV
Our intention is never to allow distractions to crowd out the Lord. It usually happens slowly. Just like Emily, we do not recognize we have wandered so far from the presence of the Lord until it is too late. When we finally realize it, we are already deprived and desperate for Him. For those who live in the United States, there is no shortage of opportunities for distraction. If we are not careful about controlling how we use our time, we will look up and realize we didn’t make use of it at all.
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. - Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV
I often feel saddened because The Lord has done so much for me and He deserves more than what I often offer. To my surprise, every time I run back, He is not disappointed. He just says, “ I am here. I have not been far, but waiting for you.” I wish I could say that I am past getting distracted, I am not. What I have learned though is that every moment is an opportunity to choose Him.
He has promised that He will be there when we choose Him. We are His children and He knows we are learning our limits and learning how to live a life devoted to him. I think the most beautiful thing about Him allowing me to be distracted, is realizing that there is nothing out there as wondrous as He is. He is all that I need and all that I truly desire.
If you are looking at how you spend your time and wondering how you can make changes that will better honor the Lord, you are not alone. I have found that fasting is a great way to break the cycle. Fasting brings a spiritual refreshment and creates space to listen to God. Ask Him what new habit would be beneficial and for the self-control to carry it out. I have witnessed the Spirit help me with daily minute tasks such as cooking and cleaning. God cares for every detail of our lives. Since daily choices add up to lifestyle choices, let’s turn to Him to help keep us on track.
Remember to prioritize firsthand Bible reading every day, only the Word has the power to transform. "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." -2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV
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