Distractions

Proverbs 16:32 "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city."

Honing in on our ability to focus and block out DISTRACTIONS is one of the most difficult things to do, yet, when accomplished can break down all barriers that stand in our way. I'm sure we can all think of certain DISTRACTIONS that we face in our lives everyday but some are not so evident. Anything that prohibits us from placing our total focus on the task at hand is a DISTRACTION. Procrastination, or putting things off until a tomorrow that is not promised, is the worst form of DISTRACTION because it takes place within ourselves. We must strive daily to claim victory in what Joyce Meyer calls the "Battlefield of the Mind." When we learn to control our own minds we gain the ability to overcome all external factors. DISTRACTIONS can take the form of a phone that conveniently rings during our time of meditation, our favorite show that just so happens to come on when we are attempting to focus, or worrying about our circumstances rather than trusting in God to provide. He attempts to speak encouragement into our lives but, we are often too DISTRACTED to hear Him. It seems that the discouraging words spoken by those with the intent of DISTRACTING us tend to resonate louder than the soft spoken words of encouragement offered by loved ones. Today's society is one of the biggest DISTRACTIONS that we face on a day-to-day basis. When we find ourselves trying to fit the stereotypes that are portrayed in the media we are actually being DISTRACTED from being the "peculiar people" that God called us to be. Just as I stated in a previous blog post TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE "WE are better at being OURSELVES than 'trying' to be anyone else." It seems that during times of adversity it is most difficult to remain focused when it is, in fact, most necessary. Our circumstances cannot be allowed to DISTRACT us and cause us to become discouraged before our breakthrough.  My dad always tells me that, "the closer I get to the city, the heavier the traffic."  In this he means when situations seem to become unbearable our breakthrough is just around the corner. Our state of mind must allow us to realize that God uses adversity to strengthen our faith, confidence, and the bond between us. Once we conquer the DISTRACTIONS we must still be careful not to allow pride to set in. We must remember that God gives us our strength. Therefore, we must control our minds and keep them free from the DISTRACTIONS such as the "PRIDE (that) COMETH BEFORE THE FALL."