Concentrating is one of the most difficult things to do nowadays. With all the worldly distractions, can anyone ever focus on what's important?
You got YouTube, movies, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and much more that can take away precious time. Each moment, all the hours and every minute should be used wisely.
Now, I'm not going to sit here and tell you, you need to get off your bum and do something productive, when I know I struggle with the same issue. It doesn't hurt to take a break, watch some funny movies, a YouTube video or funny TikTok's, but don't circle your life around those things.
I've learned that concentrating is a self-determined focus. It's up to you to make the choice to give your undivided attention to the task at hand without any distractions. Social media isn't the only thing that can be a distraction.
In the middle of what God is leading me to do, I've never been so distracted in my life. Or I should say I never realized how many things can grab ahold of your mind and distract you.
From cleaning to scheduling upcoming events. From meeting up with a friend, to helping someone. Perhaps, for you its work, the kids, family, anything that may be keeping you distracted from doing what God has called you to do.
Yes, even people can be a distraction. Your friend from work texts you about going somewhere to hang out but you're in the middle of church service. Money can be a distraction. Maybe you're in the middle of reading your bible, then you start to think about how much money you have left in your bank, and you need to make sure this bill got paid. And now, you're far off track from concentrating on God and your focus is on worrying about money. Kids can be a distraction. While you're in the middle of prayer, your child comes to you about something they broke in the kitchen or forgotten homework that wasn't done, and now, of all times, they need your help.
This list can go on and on, but what are we to do to stop distractions from interrupting us? How can we stay focus on the task at hand?
For one, get up as early as you can before anyone wakes up. Set at least an hour to pray, read your bible and a devotion and end out with a little worship or praise. This is the best way to get yourself focused.
When you focus on and put God first, everything else will align.
In Hebrews 12:1-3 says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted."
Mmm. Need I say more? The scripture alone tells us that 'since we are surrounded,' we ought to 'lay aside every weight and sin,' things which are taking our focus/concentration off of Jesus, and to 'run with endurance that race that is set before us, looking to Jesus."
We have to keep our eyes on Jesus. Yes, it sounds repetitive, but in these days, it needs to be. Living for the Lord in this wicked distracting world is crucial and serious. We need a daily reminder to keep our eyes on Jesus. Just like my last blog, I mentioned how Peter took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink, and that is what I'm saying here. If you take your eyes off Jesus and on to social media, you'll begin to sink in those lies from Satan.
"You're not good enough." "You need to lose this much weight to be considered pretty." "You have way too many pimples on your face to be beautiful." "Why are they dating and you're not?" "See, they're way happier than you are." "They have a better job and more money than you."
These lies and many others have no chance to sink into your mind when your mind is too busy staying focused on Jesus.
Don't sink. Press on. Contend.
Keep your eyes on Jesus by keeping your eyes on God's word.
Second, turn your phone off. I kind of wish there was no such thing as phones. I mean, yes, I have one. I use it. Mainly for texting my mom and some others, my bible apps and YouTube, but when I think about it, I don't really care to have a phone.
I remember growing up in elementary before phones were a big thing and writing notes or letters which were the fastest ways to reach people, at least at my age. We used house phones, or at an old age term 'a landline' (lol). We even used two things God gave us called feet to walk to our friends' house and ask if they can play.
Back then there was more socializing in person than there is nowadays.
We're too focused on electrical devices. What is spending hours on your phone, t.v., laptop, video games, etc. going to do for you? When your done with those things, do you feel any different? Did you do anything in those things that could help someone else?
We're called to Love God, Love People. Everything that we do should honor God. Everything that we do should help others. (Like I said before, there is nothing wrong with a break or two, but don't circle your life around yourself. You'll grow to be prideful and selfish).
So, let's get up and don't be lazy to pray, read our bible and devotional with a little worship and praise. Then, turn your phone off every now and then and do something productive. Send someone an encouraging letter. Take someone out for coffee and just hang. Create a prayer journal. Witness to someone and invest in their lives.
Jesus lives in the heart of a servant.
Do what God has called you to do and stay concentrated on the task at hand.
You got this. If God put it in you, then you can do all things through Christ!
Scripture of the Week:
"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."
-Philippians 4:
Songs of the Week:
There Was Jesus
by Zach Williams ft. Dolly Parton
Until Next Time....😁
