It was one-day last week. I was going about my day. Thing after thing came my way to cause distractions.
Out of my spirit, I heard myself say, “I will not be controlled by distractions!”
Distraction is defined in the Webster’s 1828 Dictionary as;
The act of distracting; a drawing apart; separation. Confusion from a multiplicity of objects crowding on the mind and calling the attention different ways; perturbation of mind; perplexity; Confusion of affairs; tumult; disorder; Madness; a state of disordered reason; franticness; furiousness. Folly in the extreme or amounting to insanity.
This definition shows that distraction has several different levels. It can be a simple opportunity to draw you away from something else. It can certainly cause you to be frustrated. If not addressed, it can cause confusion, perplexity, turmoil, disordered reason, fury, and even insanity.
Now, let’s look at the word, control. It is defined as; to restrain, govern, overpower, counteract, and have superior force or authority. We cannot allow distractions to govern what we do or how we act or exert force or authority over us.
Let’s look at a few scriptures I encountered while studying distractions in the Passion Translation Bible.
Set your gaze on the path before you. With fixed purpose, looking straight ahead, ignore life’s distractions. Proverbs 4:25
The Lord answered her, “Martha, my beloved Martha. Why are you upset and troubled, pulled away by all these many distractions? Are they really that important? Luke 10:41
Yes, feast on all the treasures of the heavenly realm and fill your thoughts with heavenly realities, and not with the distractions of the natural realm. Colossians 3:2
We see from the Word of God that distractions will come. However, we cannot allow them to rule our lives or emotions. We may not be able to prevent distractions from coming our way, but we can handle them in a way that glorifies God.
How do we do that?
By remaining in peace. By continuing to walk in love. By keeping our eyes and minds firmly set on God and His Word.
That day I had an opportunity to allow the many distractions to upset me. To hinder my progress. To bring everything to a screeching halt. But I did not. Instead, I didn’t allow them to control my day. Or my emotions.
This week alone, I am quite certain, many distractions will come your way. When they do, remain in peace. Keep your eyes on God and follow His Word. Remember His faithfulness.
I will leave you with one final scripture in 1 Cor. 7:35.
I love how the Passion Translation says it; So that you would have undistracted devotion, serving the Lord constantly with an undivided heart.
May it be so for all of us.
