2:302 – Blocking Out The Noise

#faithbites #faithjourney blocking

Last night I was helping my eldest with her math homework. It was a worksheet that had 60+ multiplication facts on it and she had to do it as fast as she could. After a few minutes, she was frazzled, and couldn’t answer any of the questions. I took my hands and covered all the problems except one, and she aced it. We went from question to question and she knew them all. She was overwhelmed by the noise: too many problems made her unable to focus.

For most of us, our #faithjourney is like that. We have so many people in our lives, activities, ideas, opinions, tasks, and opportunities that can make us lose focus. Even in trying to read the Bible, we can get overwhelmed by all of the scriptures, stories, and lessons. We need help blocking out the noise and allowing us to focus. Prayer and time with our Father is a good way to do that.

Scripture

• Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. – Colossians 3:2
• Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. – Proverbs 4:25
• Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. – Proverbs 16:3

Reflection

In sports, they often say, “Keep your eyes on the prize.”. This is true in faith. When we focus on God, look forward, we will be HIs servant. It is easy to be led into temptation with all of the distractions on earth. We want to do so many things and be so many things for so many people, that we lose focus. We need to practice blocking out the noise.

For my daughter, it was me physically blocking out the other problems. Sometimes, I have to turn off the tv, move other people out of the room, and let her focus. For me, in writing my dissertation, I need a single block of time without distractions. It allows me to focus. When I write #faithbites, I struggle when people are talking, sometimes I have to put on my headphones to block everything else out.

Whatever works for you, practice it. Then you can truly “keep your eyes on the prize” of God.

Challenge

Find a way to block out the noise. What works for you? Is it scheduling a time for you to have a cup of coffee and a devotion? Maybe it’s cookies and Christ. Whatever it is, use it and set up a time to keep practicing it. You will see great rewards in it.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us your Word. We get so distracted by everything going on that sometimes we forget to spend time in it. Be with us as we try to block out all the temptations and distractions. Help us to allow keep our focus on heaven and not on earth. We know when we do that, you will take care of everything for us. Be with us and guide us as we continue to live in both worlds. In your name, Amen.