Lord, Deliver Me from Distractions

“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)

An Age of Unprecedented Distraction

We live today in an age of unprecedented distraction. Gone are the days when many used to start the day quietly in prayer and meditating on the Word of God. Now, most begin their day by checking emails and social media notifications.

While our cameras move around, my media team often tells me that they see people sending text messages even during worship. A media crew member once reported that he saw a woman raising both her hands in worship yet with one hand she was texting.

It may sound funny, but the truth is, we are fast becoming a generation addicted to distractions.

Distractions harm our ability to listen to what is being said. This, in turn, affects the quality of our relationships both physical and spiritual. It also damages our ability to think with clarity and focus.

Because of distractions, many people find it impossible to be still, to pray, and to meditate. This makes distraction not just a habit, but a spiritual danger an evil from which we need God’s deliverance.

What Is Distraction?

My definition of distraction is this:

Shifting our attention from something of greater importance to something of lesser importance.

Why Is Distraction So Dangerous?

The most dangerous form of distraction is being distracted from the Lord Himself. It is the subtle tendency to shift focus from the greatest Person in our lives to something lesser.

The Bible calls this idolatry.

The Lesson from Martha

“But Martha was distracted with much serving…” (Luke 10:40)

Notice, Martha was not distracted by something sinful. She was distracted by something good—serving.

Yet, that “good” took her attention away from the best Jesus.

This gives us another powerful definition:

Distraction is when the good takes you away from the best.

The Danger of Doing Too Much

Doing too many things can distract you from what you are truly called to do by the Lord.

This is something I personally struggled with. In my early days, I wanted to do everything.

But just because someone else is doing something does not mean you are called to do it. You must do what the Lord has asked you to do.

Sometimes, the hardest discipline is staying focused on your divine assignment.

One Thing Is Necessary

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41–42)

When we are regularly distracted by something, we need to take careful note of it, for it reveals our inner heart condition. Remember, distraction is the no.1 enemy of the anointing, whereas focus is the key to power.

Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 25-26

Lord, Deliver Me from Distractions

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