In response to an authentic painful email, the counselor advised: “I think you need to focus on distracting…as ironic as that is. Find a project to dive into, go get coffee with a friend and focus totally on them, watch a show OR journal a bit and get it out.”
Distraction – A thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else.
God knew I needed a distraction. I met with friends for coffee, continued with my scheduled appointments, but something more was needed in this period of time. Then, the weather reports declared that an intense snow storm headed towards Denver, likely immobilizing much of the city. So, in preparation, I pulled out candles, filled the car with gas, bought extra groceries (along with the rest of the population – lol), located several flashlights, and lined up a stack of books I hoped to tackle.
A snow storm with blizzard winds shut down much of the city for two days. I sat at the kitchen table watching through the windows the blinding swirl of snow and the mounting drifts. This surely offered a grand distraction from some of the turmoil within my soul.
Too often we allow distraction to prevent us from attending to the movement and voice of God within, and yet, in this instance, I needed God to move my focus from the swirling storm within my soul to the swirling outside the snow-painted windows.
Distraction – A thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else.
Scripture presents the most amazing distraction from the sorrows, uncertainties, and heaviness of life. During my weather induced snow days, God directed my soul to passages in the Bible to distract me. God’s holy distraction led me to truth and provided comfort and direction to the billowing within my brain.
Perhaps you find yourself in need of a holy distraction, from a mental pattern or a situation which requires a new perspective?
When we read, reflect, and receive from Scripture our soul experiences a beautiful distraction from those life situations that often bind us to sin, fear, confusion, hopelessness, and indecision.
While the Bible was written at a specific time to a specific people, the truths of God’s character, His interactions with humankind, and the propensities of humanity remain timeless. We can soak in Scripture and allow God’s active Word to penetrate our soul with His freedom, hope, truth, clarity, and courage.
The powerful Word of God reminds us of His goodness in the midst of our situations (Romans 8:8-9). Psalm 32:8 points out that His loving eye rests upon us as we discern the way to go, allowing His instruction and counsel to guide us. The reality that His purposes will prevail no matter what comforts and strengthens us when unreliable people and circumstances surround us (Proverbs 19:21). I find consolation in these truths and pray you do as well.
Here are some of the verses that have challenged, convicted, and comforted me. They offer distraction from the things of this world which weigh humanity down. I guess you could say, these are holy distractions are perfect distractions sent by God for specific moments.
May God bring His holy distraction to your soul.
Proverbs 16:9 – In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
Proverbs 18:12 – Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
1 Peter 5:5-7 – All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Deuteronomy 31:6 – Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5 – God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
2 Peter 3:11 – Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives.
Job 42:2,3 – “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.
1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 – May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
Acts 3:18-19 – But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord…
John 3:8 – Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.
Nahum 1:7 – The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him…
Daniel 9:19 – Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.”
2 Thessalonians 3:5 – May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.
Maybe select one or two of these holy distractions from the Bible and write them on a 3×5 card to carry around with you for the week. Think on God’s truth, wrestle with its reality in your life, and allow it to absorb into the core of your being, transforming your mind and heart.
After the snow storm dissapates, the climatic distraction moves on, yet the truths from God remain a sacred opportunity to give full focus to the One who loves us, walks alongside us in our journey, and redeems the brokenness of His people and creation.
Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
1 Peter 5:8-11 – Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Sharla Fritz. Distracted: Finding Faith-Focus Habits for a Frenzied World. Independently Publish. 2019.
Paul Miller. . A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World. Colorado Spring, CO. 2017.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
for King and Country. Shoulders. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfiYWaiAcRw
Lauren Daigle. Trust in You. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_aVFVveJNs