According to research we get distracted every 11min. 23 minutes and 15 seconds is how long it takes to get refocussed. How many times a day do you think you get distracted? 11 times, multiply by 23 min is 4 hours of wasted time a. That’s a lot of time we can never get back.
Distractions are an interesting thing. We often allow ourselves to become distracted because we are curious. Curios about what others are doing. Curios about that new Netflix show everyone is talking about, maybe even curious about our approval rating on IG. There will always be noise, news, and a need for something else.
Challenges can also lead us to distraction.This happens to me all the time when I’m practicing the harp. I try to learn a new piece and I get frustrated and end up playing a song I already know. It’s so much for fulfilling and satisfying in the moment. But we can’t fulfill our vision or meet our goals if we stay distracted. Perhaps anxiety or fear is a trigger that sets you off course. I have dealt with major anxiety while practicing for an upcoming performance. Bursting into tears, I throw my sheet music on the floor, surrendering to defeat telling myself I am not good enough. It completely debilitates me to the point where I can’t even think. Thankfully my husband is usually around and picks me up off the floor reminding me of my past success. He reminds me that God would not have given me this opportunity if He didn’t plan for me to succeed. This kind of distraction is called, “easily distracted anxiety.” It’s a real thing, it happens when your mind constantly drifts from your focus. But defeat and distraction are not an option to achieve. Running around in panic and not staying in the position that God has put us in will bring disappointing results. It’s a vicious cycle. To be honest this is something I think everyone struggles with on a daily basis.
Other than taking practical steps, like blocking your time, shutting your phone down, or turning off notifications what can we do? None of this really helps with the symptom of distracted anxiety. Being thankful that God has me where He wants me has really helped. If I really can’t be content with where I am, I know God loves me enough not to keep me there. It might be in a difficult season. I have been there, but having faith and trusting God even in the midst of disappointment can really help. He has a better plan, sometimes we just have to stay focussed and keep moving forward in order to find out what that is. Risk the journey and receive the joy. Don’t get distracted, there is no joy in distractions!
I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along. ~ Psalm 40:1-2
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for all you have done. Thank you for your Son Jesus Christ who died for me. Thank you that I am enough for You. You accept me the way I am and You have given me all that I need. Thank you for the talents, gifts, relationships and opportunities You have given me. Thank you for where You have placed me right now, and thank you for having a plan to move me forward from this place.
Lord, sometimes I struggle with distraction. I get anxious about what’s to come and I feel defeated. Please give me the strength to carry out the plans you have for me. Give me wisdom and help me to stay focussed on what I can do, and surrender what is out of my control. Forgive me for the distractions I allow into my life that take me off course from where you want me to be, and who you want me to be. Help me to see You and know Your presence so that I can follow Your will. Protect my heart and my mind from distraction as I go about my day. Help me to know that I am completely filled and equip through You. May I use the time I have, the gifts You have given me, and my conversations with others to bring You honour and glory. Help me to see You in the random places today.
Is there anything you want to impress upon my heart today?
God is there an area in my life where I am too distracted to hear you?
Please show me what distracting thoughts are holding me back? Are these lies or truth?
What can I do to remove these distractions that weighing me down?
Thank you for all You have done for me, may I continue to feel Your presence as I leave this quite place.
In the Hand’s of the Potter,
Chantal Dube
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