Today, we’re talking about distractions. Have you ever sat down to pray or read your Bible, only to be interrupted by a text, a to-do list running through your mind, or just a wandering thought? Distractions are everywhere, and they can keep us from focusing on what truly matters—our relationship with God. Today, we’re diving into the topic of distractions, how they pull us away from God’s purpose, and how we can stay focused on Him.
“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” — Hebrews 12:2
Identify distractions in your life and prepare to refocus your heart on God.
Distractions are one of the enemy’s greatest tools to keep us from seeking God, and there are plenty to keep us distracted.
In fact, 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
The enemy doesn’t have to make us sin—he knows that just keeping us busy and distracted is enough. He knows that when we’re caught up in distractions, we aren’t hearing or focusing on the Lord; we’re focused on everything else.
One way to set a boundary and be intentional is to set a specific time each day for prayer and Bible reading—and guard that time.
What are some distractions that keep you from focusing on God?
“Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about.” — Luke 10:41-42
Even good things—like work, family, and serving—can distract us from simply being with Jesus. But like Mary, we must learn to prioritize sitting at His feet over doing things for Him.
Martha wasn’t doing anything wrong, but she was more focused on Mary and what she wasn’t doing. She was distracted by the lack of help she thought she should be getting. Meanwhile, Mary was simply listening to Jesus.
Ask yourself daily: Am I spending time with God, or just working for Him?
Are you more of a Martha or a Mary in your daily life?
“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
Phones, social media, and constant notifications fill our minds with noise.
When we’re always plugged in, we struggle to hear God’s voice.
Try a technology fast for an hour or a day and replace that time with prayer or worship.
I did a three-day social media fast, and I found it to be pretty easy. What I didn’t like, though, was that once my three days were up, I went right back to checking my phone just as much as before. So, what did I learn? Obviously, not what I needed to. Now I know that it takes more than just doing something it takes being intentional to let go and focus on God.
How can you create moments of stillness in your daily routine?
Distractions are everywhere, and they can keep us from focusing on what truly matters—our relationship with God.
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” — Colossians 3:2
Staying focused on God requires intentional effort.
We can train our minds to focus on Christ instead of temporary distractions.
Write down a list of what truly matters and place it where you’ll see it daily. This will help remind you of your priorities and serve as a checklist to keep in mind throughout your day.
How can you shift your focus from distractions to God today?
“We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 10:5
Distractions often start in the mind—worry, fear, and busyness. When this happens, we can feel anxious and overwhelmed. Before we know it, we’re so distracted that we lose sight of God’s presence.
We can learn to take control of our thoughts and realign them with God’s truth.
Memorize a Scripture verse to recite whenever your mind starts to wander.
What thoughts most often distract you from seeking God?
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12
Life is short, and we don’t want to waste it on distractions. These distractions can include conversations and situations we replay over and over in our minds, as well as anything else that keeps us from focusing on God.
Try not to get caught up in things that need to be given to God—let Him provide for you.
When we focus on God, we gain wisdom and peace.
Start each day with a short prayer asking God to help you stay focused on Him.
What is one habit you can change to be more intentional with your time?
Distractions are everywhere, and they can keep us from focusing on what truly matters—our relationship with God.
“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity.” — Ephesians 5:15-16
We weren’t created to be constantly distracted—we were made for purpose.
Every moment we spend with God strengthens us for what He’s called us to do.
Write down your top three priorities and remove anything that doesn’t align with them.
How would your life change if you lived more intentionally for God?
“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” — Hebrews 10:24
We can help others stay on track by holding each other accountable.
Encouraging a friend to stay focused on God strengthens our own walk, too.
Find an accountability partner to pray with and help keep each other focused.
Who in your life could use encouragement to refocus on God?
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” — Isaiah 26:3
Distractions create anxiety, but a heart fixed on God finds peace.
I live by this. I can easily let anxiety and uncertainty take over because of all the unknowns in the world. But I have decided to keep my heart and mind fixed on God as much as possible. In that, I feel freer—knowing that I don’t have to worry because God has a plan.
True rest comes when we stay focused on Him, not the chaos around us.
End your day by reflecting on one way you saw God at work.
How can you invite more of God’s peace into your life today?
We’ve talked about distractions—how they pull us away from God, how we can refocus, and how living intentionally leads to peace. Distractions may always be present, but we don’t have to let them control us. Instead, we can choose to fix our eyes on Jesus.
Let’s commit to staying focused on what truly matters. When we do, we’ll experience more joy, more clarity, and a deeper connection with God.
The world will always try to distract you, but a heart fixed on Jesus will always find peace.