Distractions Can Divert Us
Oh, those distractions! Many of us allow distractions to slow us down—keeping us from the tasks we are supposed to carry out. Or even delay us from seizing opportunities God has planned for us to take.
A distraction is something that diverts our attention away from something else. It is usually an interruption, stopping us from focusing on what we are doing, or our intended goal. Confusion can result sometimes.
Dictionary synonyms for distraction include: bewilderment, befuddlement, perplexity, fog, head-scratching, muddle, dither, flurry, fuss, upset, stew, turmoil, commotion, puzzlement, agitation, confusion, tangle, discomfort.1
I noticed the difference in obvious distractions some years ago when two different friends drove me to various cities where I was speaking on my book topics. When JoAnne drove, we left very early in the mornings and arrived by late afternoon. We didn’t stop along the way wandering through antique stores, or coffee shops, or other inviting places.
Her focus was obvious. “No distractions. We are headed for our destination,” she’d say.
On other occasions when Virginia drove me, her travel philosophy was the opposite. She preferred leaving at mid-day and stopping numerous times along the way. Reaching our destination by dark was not too important. One night a policewoman pulled her over at 2 a.m. when we couldn’t locate our motel.
Virginia was easily distracted on our way, and we often discussed this. I greatly appreciated both friends, as they were doing me a favor. We did have fun, especially on our drives back home when we could stop whenever the mood hit us. Distractions were welcome then.
Have you ever been in a dither? I have—t oo many times to count. One day soon after I became a widow I did too many errands in one day and got so distracted by all the decisions facing me that I made some wrong ones. A lengthy phone call while you are in the midst of a serious work assignment can be a great distraction to most of us too.
Yet, sometimes distractions are God-ordained.
Look at Jesus’s example. He took time to minister to whoever needed Him. For instance, on His way to heal Jairus’ dying daughter, He stopped to talk to the desperate woman who touched His garment and was healed of a blood disorder which doctors couldn’t heal. A “divine interruption,” you might say!
“Jesus was always ready to be interrupted,” I heard a preacher remark.
Sometimes our distractions might be the Lord calling us to a divine interruption too. He may be saying, “Pay attention, I have sent this person for you to minister to in My name. Don’t miss an opportunity.”
Perhaps we need to recognize that when we give in to wrong distractions, we sabotage the best choices for us. Yes, we should finish that assignment. Or make that important decision. Guard against getting sidetracked.
On the other hand, sometimes we may need to be alert to “divine interruptions” that offer us an assortment of good God-calling opportunities: the right people, missions, tasks, jobs, or projects.
May we find a balance in how to respond to distractions, by asking the Holy Spirit to guide us into the best choices.
Prayer: Father God, I invite the Holy Spirit’s help so that I do not get distracted by the wrong people or things. Help me remain open to receive interruption to my plans when they are opportunities You want me to take. May the Holy Spirit teach and guide me into the right choices. I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Scriptures: And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction. (1 Corinthians 7:35 NKJV)
To everything there is a season. A time for every purpose under heaven. (Ecc.3:1 NKJV)
Footnote:1. Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary, online.
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