Distraction is a tactic used by the enemy to take our focus away from what is most important. As you and I both know, distractions are everywhere. From the latest headlines to the latest trends, our minds are constantly being pulled in different directions, leaving us confused and disoriented. Can you relate?
Perhaps it’s time to refocus, limit outside noise, and become intentional in your relationships with God and others. If you’re ready to close the door on distractions, here are five important things to focus on as spring approaches.
look for him first
“But first and most importantly, seek (seek and strive for) the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (His ways and righteousness, that is, His attitude and character), and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33 AMP).
The demands of our current situation often take precedence over our desire for God. We deal with this every day, taking care of our families, meeting work deadlines, and juggling countless responsibilities. It doesn’t take long before you feel like you’re running on a never-ending, high-speed treadmill.
Seeking God first must be non-negotiable. Just as our bodies need nourishment, our spirits also need time in God’s presence. In John 6:32-33 Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father who gave you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
Eating freely of the Bread of Life will better nourish you for your journey. This requires sufficient time to read God’s Word, meditate, and accept God’s truth. And as we learn more about God’s eternal nature, our minds become focused on heaven rather than earth. Our attitude has changed from plodding through life to experiencing the fullness of life in Christ.
prayer and praise
“Through him, then, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name” (Hebrews 13:15 ESV).
If you’re like me, you pray regularly and ask God for help, protection, and guidance. Fortunately, we have a good Father who hears our call.
But prayer is a two-way street, right? It is not only petitioning the Lord for what we need, but also listening to His still small voice. God has great things to share with us. I hope we will stop long enough to listen to God. Amen?
This spring, increase your prayer and praise, quiet your heart, and listen to the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Turn on worship music instead of the TV and fill your home (and heart) with songs of praise.
Let’s start with Psalm 150. “Praise Him. Praise Him in His sanctuary. Praise Him in His mighty heavens. Praise Him for the deeds of His power. Praise Him for His surpassing greatness. Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet, praise Him with the harp and harp, praise Him with tones and dancing, praise Him with the strings and pipes, praise Him with the clash of cymbals, praise Him.” Praise Him with the sound of the cymbals. ”
love well
“A new commandment I give you is that you love one another, just as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34 ESV).
Sadly, there is a lot of hate in the world, and it seems to be growing by the day. Even as Christians, we sometimes get involved in controversies that are not beneficial to anyone. And while we are called to speak the truth, we are also called to love right.
To love well means:
We prefer others to ourselves. (Philippians 2:3)
We put words into action. (1 John 3:18)
We humbly serve others. (Galatians 5:13)
Let’s make spring a season of abundant love for God and each other. Invest in others like never before with kindness, compassion, and grace. We can stand firm on the Bible without compromise, but in a way that draws people to God rather than repelling them.
When you are tempted to engage in pointless arguments, remember that in this situation you are choosing to focus on God’s love.
sow seeds
“Sow for yourselves righteousness, and reap in mercy; tear up the fallow ground; it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and rains righteousness on you” (Hosea 10:12 NKJV).
Our bank statements say a lot about what matters most to us. Apart from everyday expenses, we can quickly find frivolous things that we prioritize.
“Bring all the tithes to the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house. Test me with this,” said the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so many blessings that there will be no room to store them.” (Malachi 3:10)
Some may say that this Bible passage is no longer a requirement for New Testament believers. But it really hits home, doesn’t it? It means sowing generously the seeds given to us. We sow the seeds as follows.
tithes and offerings
time and talent
justice and mercy
mercy and grace
There are many opportunities to sow seeds in the fallow fields of this world. Every day we have the opportunity to reach out and sow seeds of grace. God may ask us to donate to charity, serve in our community, or be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need. When our focus shifts from duty to generosity, we are free to sow as the Lord leads us.
take care of your body
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit? He is in you, and you have received them from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Health goals are essential, but they’re about more than just losing weight and building muscle. The Bible encourages us to cherish what God has given us. I believe this is not only to glorify the Lord, but to strengthen us for the purpose for which He has called us.
The key word in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 is “the temple of the Holy Spirit.” When you look at it from this perspective, you quickly realize that our bodies are designed for purposes other than eating and exercising. Every part of us was created to glorify God through His great purpose of making Him known.
By staying hydrated, nourished, agile and strong, you will be ready to move forward as the Holy Spirit leads you. We feel more confident when we eat healthy and maintain our weight. When we get enough sleep and approach work with energy, we become more flexible.
Rather than focusing on a particular body image, focus on better health for better service to God. It is free to let go of trying to look that part and instead live the part that God has marked for us.
Let’s pray: Lord, grant me the self-control I need to remove distractions and focus on what matters most. I want to fully step into your life’s purpose. In the holy name of Jesus, amen.
Photo credit: ©Pixabay/JillWellington
Jennifer Waddle is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and a regular contributor to LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com, where you can find her books and subscribe to her weekly post, “Disappointment Can’t Win.” She lives with her family near her favorite place on earth, the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
