Distraction
Today, we are going to talk about distraction.
Oh, look, a cute rabbit just ran across my yard. I hope he doesn't dig into my garden. I should google how to keep rabbits out of your garden.
Okay. So, as I was saying. Let's discuss distraction.
Wait, I just got a notification - someone posted a new video. Awe, look at that cute dog. That reminds me, I need to make an appointment for my dog to get groomed.
Alright, alright. Focus.
What were we talking about again? Oh yeah, distraction.
Wait—are there books on distraction? I'm sure there are tons. I should google those and buy some. No, no. Focus!
You get the point.
I hope you can relate to this familiar roundabout of attention we fondly call distraction.
Sometimes, I think the master of distraction is that red-lycra-jumpsuit-wearing jerk face - the devil.
But he isn't just vying for our attention; he's looking for something much more.
I bet the devil has an annual conference somewhere really hot and humid.
Every year, he brings all his minions together for the big event, complete with keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and exhibit halls all focused on the same thing:
"How to keep God's people distracted, scared, and isolated so they stay stuck feeling unloved, unforgiven, unwanted, and never enough."
The speakers discuss new and improved ways to prevent us from receiving and believing the truth that God loves us and has great plans for our lives.
Rejection and Competition: social media tips and tricks to keep them insecure and feeling like crap
Busyness: keeping them away from God by working more and praying less
Addiction: tapping into craft cocktails and vaping to grow your target market
Artificial Intelligence: using algorithms to keep them hooked
The exhibit halls are filled with vendors pushing things that keep us entertained, addicted, angry, divided, and incapacitated.
I don't know about you, but I'm done being played like a fool who falls for all these gimmicks.
Those voices in your head telling you that you are not enough, that you are unlovable, that you could never be forgiven, or that no one wants you are not just lies from the pit of hell; they are the ultimate distractions that keep you stuck and frozen in the mucky pit of despair.
And that is just where the devil wants you—distracted and filled with despair.
And I don't mean losing focus on the tasks at hand; I'm talking about being distracted from living a wonderful, joy-filled, God-loved, purposeful life.
God is waving his hands behind all of that noise. Can you see Him?
He's screaming to you, "STOP LISTENING TO THEM! LISTEN TO ME! COME BACK TO ME! FOCUS ON ME!"
Just like you have to fight against the distractions of your attention - you must fight against the distractions of your soul.
I cannot say this enough:
You are loved.
You are enough.
You are forgiven.
You are wanted.
Don't you let that jerk face distract you or tell you any different!
I want you to go forward today, determined and decisive.
Determined to receive and fulfill all God has for you and decisive enough to know when the distractions are holding you back.
Alright, that's enough for today; I'm all fired up now.
Plus I gotta go buy some marigolds to keep those darn rabbits out of my garden.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is–his good, pleasing, and perfect will.
James 4:7
So, let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the devil and watch him make himself scarce. Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time.
1 Peter 5:8-9
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
Proverbs 4:25
Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.
Proverbs 16:3
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.