By Margo Woodward
ONE of the hardest things to do is to remain focused amidst chaos. This is why it can be somewhat easy to establish goals, but much more difficult to follow through on them.
Execution is the challenge.
The reason execution can be quite difficult is because of the day-to-day distractions that
inevitably come our way. If we are going to succeed and follow through on the plans and
purposes that God has for us, we must learn how to remain focused amidst chaos.
The Christian can never forget that he/she has an enemy who constantly seeks to steal, kill, and destroy every good thing that he/she has: “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” – John 10:10
How are we to live knowing such truth?
We must anticipate distractions.
It’s not to say that we live with a dark cloud hanging over our heads, but we live knowing that we will experience trouble. In John 16:33 not only does Jesus tell us that we will have trouble, but He also assures us that we can be of good cheer – in the midst of the trouble!
How so?
Because He has overcome the world.
These words of Jesus should help us to anticipate distractions and trouble. Living with this
awareness prevents us from being so easily distracted and thrown off our game. This spiritual
awareness helps us to identify the distraction more quickly and move forward in the midst of
the chaos.
Simply put, awareness of God’s Word enables us to remain focused amidst chaos.
Therefore, we must prioritize our relationship with God above everything else. Prioritizing daily time with God and His Word simultaneously prepares us for the distraction that He knows are coming our way.
Chaos and distractions are a part of life. One thing that these tumultuous times have taught is that we are not in control. Truly, we do not know what tomorrow will bring [Proverbs 27:1].
Though life changes and we can’t depend on our circumstances for security, we do know that
God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever [Hebrews 13:8].
We can stand on that. We can depend on Him. We can trust that He will see us through
whatever comes our way. The only way that we can remain focused in the midst of chaos is by depending on God. No other anchor will hold. God is an anchor for our souls.
Depending on God to keep us stable will grant our souls the rest that it so desperately needs.
We cannot depend on anything else to keep us focused. Nothing compares to the power of
God and His Word.
So, when you feel yourself getting distracted and losing focus, consider these 5 questions:
1. Have I sought God’s counsel?
2. What does God’s Word say concerning this situation or emotion?
3. What am I prioritizing?
4. What is the growth opportunity at hand for me?
5. What specifically about this situation is troubling or distracting me?
These questions will shift your perspective and allow you to focus in on your response to the
distraction. So often, we aren’t in a position to change the distraction; we can only change our response to it.
Focusing in on self is the key.
Distractions can only do to us what we allow. Immaturity allows distractions to succeed in
deterring, distracting, or discouraging us. Maturity, on the other hand, limits the effectiveness
of these spiritual distractions in our lives. As we mature, we are free to choose how we
respond.
This is why spiritual maturity and prioritizing God is key. Growing in God grows us in wisdom,
discernment, self-control, and faith. These are key elements in overcoming distractions.
Ephesians 6 provides a visual portrait of the spiritual warfare that we face, as well as the keys to overcome the foe.
“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of
the wicked.” – Ephesians 6:16
Faith is the way to overcome. Faith has a way of keeping us focused amidst chaos. Faith keeps us grounded no matter what we face.
As children of God, we must keep God’s Word at the forefront of our mind. His truth provides
us with everything we need to live above the inevitable troubles and distractions that we face. Though we face troubles, they do not have to weigh us down. Through Christ, we not only have the ability overcome, we also have the ability to remain patient in tribulation [Romans 12:12]. | Read another article by the same writer |
The writer is an entrepreneur and author of Break Free and Live! She has a master’s degree in strategic communications from Oklahoma State University and is an adjunct professor at Tulsa Community College.
