It is so easy to get distracted. Our busy world can be so demanding. There are so many things pulling us in all directions. Not all of them are bad either. Some are quite good and necessary, like family, church and jobs. However, when they get in the way of time with God, problems arise. We should do those things, but they shouldn’t be our top priority. We need help refocusing throughout the day.
Psalm 119:176 New American Standard Bible 1995
I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your
servant,
For I do not forget
Your commandments.
Isaiah 53:6 New American Standard Bible 1995
All of us like sheep have gone astray,
Each of us has turned to his
own way;
But the Lord has caused the iniquity of
us all
To fall on Him.
Matthew 18:12 New American Standard Bible 1995
What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and
one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains
and go and search for the one that is straying?
It is so easy to get so busy that we miss out on time with God. We think that important, necessary things that have to be done today should come first. However, we cannot do them right if we are not drawing our strength and wisdom from God. And we can’t draw from God if we aren’t spending time with Him. Instead of that shift giving us more time, it leaves us running on fumes. Time with God, in the Bible and in prayer, needs to be our first priority, and not just setting aside 5 minutes and then going about our day. We should be thinking about God and talking with Him throughout the day.
When I was in college, there was a popular “game” where the whole object was to not think about the game. Any time a person remembered the game they were to say out loud that they just lost the game (which subsequently often made others lose the game as well.) The only way to win was to either never be reminded of the game, or to always be thinking about the game so that it was never forgotten.
As you go about your day and week, try to continually think about and talk to God. Keep that constant awareness of His presence. The only reason God ever feels distant is because we aren’t paying attention. He is always there, and He will help bring us back if we are willing. Decide on a phrase that will help remind you to refocus on God. It should be something short and simple like “only You” or “walk with Me.” Every time you hear that phrase, let it remind you to talk to God, to be aware of Him. Make it your goal this week to never “lose the game” of communion with God.
Prayer points taken from Praying Through Adversity by Jennifer Kennedy Dean.
