Is God my Focus, or a Distraction?

There are many things that vie for our attention these days.

Home, family, work, phones, television, etc.

None of these are bad things necessarily, but they can draw our time and attention from more important things.

Of all these things, nothing irritates me more than trying to have a conversation with someone as they stare at their phone. Maybe they just got a text. Maybe they are waiting for an important call. Or, maybe it’s a Youtube video that caught their eye.

I don’t think they mean to be rude. But, when they nod or respond , “Ya, uh-huh,” without ever looking up from their phone, well, it bugs me.

Why does it get to me? I mean, I do it too. But,I don’t like trying to compete with a phone. If I can’t get the person's attention, I feel I’m not a priority. Or, what I have to say isn’t very important.

Is that how God feels, when I am so easily distracted? That He isn’t important?

One Sunday, I stayed home from church because I wasn't feeling well.

Thankfully, I was able to stream our service on my computer.

So I gathered my bible, a pen and paper for notes, and a cup of tea.

I got the live stream set up, and prepared to listen to the service.

I’m not exactly sure how it happened, but as the worship was starting,

I saw a message on my phone. One thing led to another, and suddenly, the worship was over and the pastor was speaking. I didn’t even realize he had started talking. I put down my phone and

searched my bible for the appropriate verse.

And then it hit me again.

So easily... my phone had my focus, and the Lord was my distraction.

How subtly my attention is diverted from my purpose.

So I asked myself, “Kerry, where should your focus be?”

My answer is, “The Lord.”

It is inevitable that I will be distracted at times from what I should be focusing on. When that happens, I need to quiet my heart and focus my eyes and ears, and thoughts on the Lord. Things in this world constantly fight for our attention, but as long as the Lord is our focus, other things will be in their proper place in our lives.

It says in 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 to “pray without ceasing.”

I don’t think that verse means we should be constantly on our knees, but that we have an awareness of God throughout our day. While doing dishes we think of our friend, and we pray for her. Driving somewhere we might see an accident, and pray for those involved. Simply being sensitive to the Lord in our everyday life.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will direct your path," (Proverbs 3:5-6).

This year, I want to acknowledge needless distractions, and become more focused on the Lord, recognizing His hand throughout my day.

I want this for us all, as I pray blessings over you and yours!