By: Elizabeth Haarberg

Where am I Looking?

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

The past four months have been weird. Our family has dealt with multiple injuries, surgeries, MRI’s, and x-rays. Our dog was run over (he’s okay), my vehicle was hit in the parking lot and had to be towed, our home was hit by a lightning surge, and more issues than I can list. It’s been distracting, to say the least.

“Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions.”
Proverbs 4:25 The Message

It occurred to me that the distractions were causing me to take my eyes off God and what he was doing in me and around me. Satan loves to distract us so we don’t see.

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 English Standard Version

Distraction exists for all humans, even those that have a great relationship with God. Distraction can be anything, including good things, that keep our attention in check and away from Jesus.

“Now I say this for your own welfare and profit, not to put [a halter of] restraint upon you, but to promote what is seemly and in good order and to secure your undistracted and undivided devotion to the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 7:35 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

I listed my recent negative examples of distraction, but there are other areas that are “good” that also can distract from connection with the Holy Spirit, including spouses, children, work, and exercise to name a few. It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t participate in those areas; it means that we can get caught up in the good distractions that may derail our time and energy.

How do we combat the distractions, good and not so good? Let our minds be transformed to the mind of Christ.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:2 ESV

Transformation happens daily, not just one time in a person’s life. Connect with God and God will connect to keep our eyes focused on Jesus, not all the distractions that take our attention.

Photo credit: Maggie Williams

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado