Overcoming Distraction April 27, 2009
Posted by Han in : Prayer , trackbackOne of the important factors to pray effectively is to learn how to overcome distraction. Distraction may come in the form of physical, emotional or mental.
You may be distracted by the television programs, computer, handphone and smses, children, house chores and uncompleted works. You may worry about your children, project, work, studies and friends. You may also be tired, restless and unwell.
If you are facing such a difficulty, I want to tell you the good news. The bible does provide some simple but yet valuable tip into how you can overcome distraction and you are on your way to have great fellowship with God.
Let’s take a look at 3 portions of scriptures:
The LORD descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses went up and the LORD said to him, “Go down and warn the people so they do not force their way through to see the LORD and many of them perish. Exodus 19:20-21
…during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Luke 3:2-3
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:6
Can you find any similarity in these scriptures? First, let’s see Exodus 19:20-21, where did God ask Moses to God? God asked Moses to go to the top of the mountain. What do you have at the top of the mountain? I think you can find not much thing up there. It must be very quiet and serene. Sounds of insects and nature. No disturbance, no distraction, just Moses and God. No one else, nothing else!
Second, let’s see John the Baptist in Luke 3:2-3. Where was John the Baptist when to word of God came? Correct…he was in the desert. Desert is somewhat similar to the mountaintop - quiet, serene, no disturbance and no distraction.
Thirdly, what is the advice of Jesus in Matthew 6:6, but when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Look here, Jesus is not asking you to go to the mountaintop or venture into the dessert but to find a similar place which has the same characteristic. I believe you can find it right at home.
Yes, just go into your room and close the door! It’s not so complicated but not many can do it due to lack of discipline. If you want to overcome distraction, listen to the advice of Jesus, go into the room and make sure you close the door. If you leave your door open wide, I can guarantee you even an ant walk passes by it will also catch your attention.
Lastly, you need to find your own ‘mountaintop’ and ‘desert’ where there is no distraction and disturbance. It could be inside your room or in a park or in your car or even inside the toilet. This is a simple step to solve the problem of distraction and the end result is powerful and unbelievable, God spoke to Moses, the word of God came to John the Baptist and Jesus said God will reward you openly.
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