Jewels from Judy: The Age of Distraction
Judy A Bauman
www.jewelsfromjudy.com
A good friend of mine wisely describes the day in which we live: “The Age of Distraction.” I asked God for further insight on this topic because distractions have become a raging battle, not only for me, but also for many in the Body of Christ. While I’ve addressed how distractions keep us from hearing the Holy Spirit in previous posts and in both of my books, would you believe I have been too distracted to sit with the Lord long enough to hear what He has to say about this pressing matter? Woe is me!
Determined to gain deeper revelation on the matter, I got out my journal and wrote, “The Age of Distraction,” and then wrestled to quiet myself. Unfortunately, not even a minute passed before something took my focus away from seeking the Lord! While there are many legitimate issues that crop up and demand our immediate attention, this was not one of those times. As it happened, I looked out my window, as I often do while journaling, and a beautiful Eastern Bluebird flew up and landed on my newly planted basket of violas. The brilliance of the sun lit his vibrant blue feathers and brick-red chest, and the light electrified the array of purple flowers. Together they were an explosion of spring colors and a joy to behold! I hurried into the kitchen to get my camera and suddenly realized that THIS is what the Holy Spirit was teaching and wanted me to understand about distractions!
We may be aware that wicked powers and principalities use all sorts of distractions to keep us from God’s best, but we also need to be on the lookout for good things that can usurp God’s will for our lives. There’s a time to grab the camera and capture a lovely photo of God’s creation, but we can’t allow such beauties to steal our focus away from the Creator of that beauty! As Jesus said, “Wisdom is justified by her children.”
Looking at this subject anew, I believe this onslaught of distractions keep the Body of Christ from consulting the Lord, studying His Word, and being faithful in prayer and service. By design, the enemy of our soul uses all sorts of distractions to dull our spiritual senses. We must learn to wait patiently on the Lord, and then move only in His timing. If He tarries, may we be wise and tarry with Him, but when He says to “GO” then we must GO!
Father God, in Jesus’ mighty name, we ask that You help us to see distractions for what they are. Please teach us to keep our eyes upon You. We pray for Your will to be done in us, and that we will recognize when something is diverting our attention from seeking Your face. Amen
In the Father’s abiding love,
Judy A Bauman
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