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)

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 e-mail 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 reported to me once during our weekly briefing that he once spotted a woman who was raising both her hands in worship – with one hand she was texting. It may sound funny but the truth is we are soon 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 is also harming our ability to think with focus.  

Because of distractions many people find it impossible to be still, to pray, and to meditate. Which means it is a spiritual danger, an evil from which we need God’s deliverance.

How can distraction be defined?
My definition of distraction is shifting our attention from something of greater importance to something of lesser importance.

Why is distraction so dangerous?
The most dangerous problem is being distracted from the Lord Himself — our tendency to shift focus from the greatest person in our lives to something lesser. The Bible calls this idolatry.

But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” (Luke 10:40)

Notice Martha was distracted, not with something bad. She was distracted with the good that got her attention off the best – Jesus. Again, another definition of distraction, the good taking you away from the best.

Doing too many things can distract you from what you are called to do by the Lord. This is where I had a problem but the LORD mercifully helped me. In my early days, I wanted to do everything.

Just because so and so is doing it you must not do it. Do what the LORD tells you to do. Sometimes the most difficult thing to do is being focused on what God has called you to do.

“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.

Father, I thank You that You have rescued me from the kingdom of darkness and transferred me into the Kingdom of Your dear Son Lord Jesus Christ. Every power of distraction against me, be cut off in the name of Jesus.

Blessed Holy Spirit, empower me to focus on all that I have been called to do. In Jesus name. Amen.