Have you ever misplaced something and become obsessed with finding it? I’ve often considered that if I had a nickel for every moment I’d spent looking for something, I’d be rich! I’ve even “hidden” things in places so I wouldn’t lose them, only to forget where I’ve strategically put them.
I’ve spent time looking for things of great value to me, and I’ve wasted time looking for items that held little significance. Sometimes the OCD tendencies are real.
I dreamt this morning that our church was hosting what became a monumental event. I was very excited before, during, and after the event about what God was doing in and through this opportunity.
But I essentially missed out on the personal blessing because I spent the entire time looking for things: looking for my husband, looking for my car, looking for my phone, and looking through the bags of items that I was carrying (desperately trying to find a place to safely put them).
What a meaningful reminder of my propensity toward distraction! In my dream, I wasn’t trying to avoid the intimacy of the event, but ultimately was disconnected from its power because of the perceived “loss” of things. Although they were important to me, they all proved to be attention stealers.
Often, I have to remind myself to let the “main thing be the main thing.” I can get caught up in side shows that are outside my control and responsibility. I may have the best intentions and motivation (compassion, justice, peace, and unity), but when my efforts thwart my own obligations and assignments, I am out of order.
Colossians 3:2 TPT says, “Yes, feast on all the treasures of the heavenly realm and fill your thoughts with heavenly realities, and not with the distractions of the natural realm.” It’s not enough for me to avoid the distractions around me, but I must focus my attention on the eternal reality. I don’t merely clear my mind of waste, but I fill it with His presence and His word.
May we all set our thoughts on Him, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2) and not spin our wheels in efforts with no lasting value. May I never waste an opportunity for facetime with my Savior in favor of distraction in my mind.
“Keep trusting in the Lord and do what is right in his eyes. Fix your heart on the promises of God, and you will dwell in the land, feasting on his faithfulness. Find your delight and true pleasure in Yahweh, and he will give you what you desire the most.”
Psalms 37:3-4 T
Penny Renfroe is a OneChurch Care Pastor and Best-Selling Author of “Threads of the Father.”