I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. (John 14:27 NLT)
Waking up, I silence the alarm on my phone and turn off the “Do not disturb.” The house is cool, so I pull on my fluffy robe and walk toward the kitchen but stop to adjust the temperature. I saunter through the house into the kitchen and pour a revitalizing cup of steaming coffee set to brew at a precise time. After my devotions and coffee, the day begins.
Notifications often pop up on my screen, interrupting my thoughts with a soft “ding.” Do I stop what I’m doing to respond? I constantly battle, staying focused because of the many distractions pulling me away from work. As an author, my mind is full of ideas. Opinions, lies, and scams bombard the atmosphere. These distractions come from a tiny gadget. Occasionally, the Truth may prevail and reach me.
Today’s world is technology-driven because we depend on devices like computers and cell phones. Even our more modern vehicles are wired with the latest software. Words from alerts, notifications, texts, and emails bombard us.
The average person has hundreds of opportunities to be distracted by the various applications on multiple devices. There’s a different app for every imaginable thing. Our watches can remind us to stand and stretch. Our car’s GPS reminds us that we missed our exit. Then there are the retailers who encourage us to download their apps because of the unique benefits we’ll receive. Nowadays, we're apt to depend on apps.
It's easy to feel that everything is at our fingertips, simplifying life. Our cells are more than phones. They contain our library of books, the Bible, camera and photo albums, financial and health information, invoices, contacts, calendar, social media, emails and texts, Google, dictionary, and banking apps. That’s why losing our phones can be catastrophic unless we diligently safeguard and back up the information elsewhere.
The world embraces selfies causing many of us to get our self-worth from outside opinions. Yet, the gadget held in our hand, often gives us false self-confidence and self-sufficiency. Our devices are apt to be lost, stolen, or destroyed. Other times, they malfunction, become outdated, or service is unavailable in an area. Electronics like our phones often generate issues and challenges, causing us to be depressed, overwhelmed, stressed, and self-centered. The things invented to make our lives easier or often our most significant sources of stress.
But the Bible tells us that stress and confusion are not from God.
God brings order out of chaos. He designed our bodies to live in peace and fellowship with Him. On the other hand, confusion, constant distractions, and demands cause stress, depression, and illnesses.
The only way to remain calm in this chaotic world is to depend upon Christ rather than rely on our devices. His presence is much more valuable and more trustworthy than our electronics. Live a simple life resting in the presence of our creator. His Spirit abides within us, comforting, calming, and cheering us. He is our source of courage, guidance, knowledge, strength, and peace.
God promises never to leave or forsake us. Once we accept Him as our Lord and Savior, our future is secure. God’s wisdom is eternal. It will never be outdated, without service, malfunctioned, or broken.
He doesn’t need an alarm or timer to always be on time. All that is good and loving comes from Him, and He openly declares that He is leaving us with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace He gives is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid (John 14:27 NLT).
Prayer:
Lord, I surrender daily, knowing that you will direct my path and keep me in perfect peace whenever my mind remains on you. If I am overwhelmed and distracted, please draw me close and help me refocus my thoughts. Help me to embrace your words that tell me, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV). Amen.
Your turn:
Have you struggled with distractions? Could you be doing more to lessen the stress of losing focus? Do you have any suggestions to help others live more focused on God?