Distractions. Are. EVERYWHERE.

Seriously. Many of us have multiple televisions in our homes. Almost everyone has a smartphone in their pockets. Even when we go to restaurants, several of them have multiple televisions scattered throughout, fighting for our attention over the people we’re seated with at our tables.

Now, we’re not going to go as far as to say all technology is evil and will destroy us, blah, blah, blah. However, the technology we surround ourselves with is very distracting and it can keep us from missing out on good things in life if we don’t learn how to balance it.

Distractions keep you from being present in the moment

In Psalm 46, God teaches us to “be still, and know that I am God” (46:10 NIV). He teaches us to listen to the still, small voice and to “wait upon the Lord” (Isaiah 40:31 KJV). However, when we have a device in our pockets that keeps us connected to thousands of people, when we have devices all around our homes and communities that vie for our attention, how can we be still?

Check this out: Many of the times that God commands us to do something, it is for our own benefit. God doesn’t need us to be still for His sake. He’s fine. But He teaches us to be still for a reason: We need it.

Being still, being present, forces us to face things we may not want to face. It forces us to reflect on things, to engage with things and to get outside of our comfort zones. 

So, how do we be still in a distracting world? It may sound simplistic, but you simply need to get away. Take a break from it. Make some time for getting away from distractions. Turn off the televisions and computers. Put your phone away. Go for a walk outside or sit on the porch. Do something that allows you to reflect inwardly and to be still, be present and center yourself.

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