4 Things to Do as Christians When You Are Distracted

I had an honest conversation with my cousin and her husband, and asked advice on an area that I was struggling with. I was distracted and unsure of where to start. They were more than willing to lead me in the right direction. We opened our Bibles and started a bible study that left me with practical principles that could be applied and referred to, in times of distraction. In true fashion, I desperately took notes, afraid my brain would short-term important details. My prayer is that these principles may help you as well.

Distraction is one of the key weapons of the enemy. The devil distracts us with the cares of this world, and we soon find ourselves drifting away from The Lord and our purpose. We slowly stop exercising our faith, praying, and spending time with God, which if we are not careful can lead us away from The Lord. A good depiction of this is in Genesis 3:1-7 where it documents the fall of Man. Eve, being distracted by the serpent’s rhetoric, strayed away from The Truth that she knew. She ate the fruit and gave her husband Adam to eat (Genesis 3:6). Sin entered in and affected all generations (Romans 5:12).

Although distraction is a dangerous tool used by the enemy. It is important to distinguish where the distraction is coming from. The enemy can use different avenues to bring about distraction, and it is important to evaluate which tool is being used. There are two types of distractions: outer and inner distractions. Outer distraction can come from people (friends, family etc.), work, social media, television, and hobbies. An inner distraction comes from ourselves.

4 Things to Do as Christians When You Are Distracted

1. Pray Earnestly – Get vulnerable with The Lord, and invite Him into your heart. Share your thoughts and concerns. Tell Him you are distracted. Tell Him how you are being distracted, whether it be outer or inner distractions. Be very detailed, and ask Him for help and victory.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.

2. Meditate on The Word of God – The Word of God is our foundation, direction, and our sword. It is the tool we use to anchor ourselves during battle. We see an example of this, when Jesus uses scripture to fight off the enemy while He was fasting for 40 days and 40 nights in Matthew 4:1-11. Reading the bible also heals, renews, and restores our soul.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

3. Exercise Your Faith – Exercising our faith helps us to grow and become stronger in our walk with Christ. We do this by getting back on track and building a routine that helps us to be consistent in our purpose and seeking The Lord daily. We also show our faith when we listen, obey and trust God’s guidance, and promises. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

It is also important to note that when we stop exercising our faith; it is much easier for us to become distracted. “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.” Galatians 5:16-17.

4. Worship – Worship The Lord in spirit and in Truth (John 4:24). Praise The Lord for His patience, goodness, compassion, long-suffering, His power and victory. Praise The Lord for his ability to heal, restore, and transform lives. Give thanks for past, present, and future victories.“I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be glad.” Psalm 34:1-2.

Distractions is a dangerous tool of the enemy, it can take us off track, delay growth, and stop us from fulfilling our purpose in Christ. My prayer is that this article may help you course correct for the glory of God. In the comment section, share some other things we can do when we are distracted.

A big thank you to my cousin and her husband Mr. and Mrs. Dorlus for their love and support, and for inspiring this article. <3