Shifting Your Focus
Taking a break from social media was not easy but needed. It forced me to sit with all of the things that were having me in a frenzy. It felt much like there were multiple fires every where, coming from every direction. Especially where it seems like every month there is an increase in the level that the fire rises or spreads.
Not really knowing which direction to look, and what fire to put out first. This is the art of distraction.
Satan likes to distract. He will set up a decoy; a chaotic scene just so you take your eyes off the thing that he wants to kill, steal, or destroy (John 10:10 NKJV). I think of Satan’s tactics like the Joker from the Dark Knight. He would have Batman, law enforcement, and the civilians panicking, spending all their energy on one issue while he was cleverly creating another issue. Distracting them so his plans could succeed.
Know that God has a plan and best believe Satan does too. Keep your armor on, girl!
So what to do when you have found yourself caught up in the disastrous schemes of the enemy, dazed by the chaos in the world?
Stop & Pray
“And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.” - Matthew 14:23 NKJV
Send away the things that have your attention. This may mean taking some time away from watching television, YouTube, podcasts, music, video games, social media, our jobs, some ministries, and even friends. These sources can be very helpful along our walk with God, however, we can become so engulfed in these activities that our focus falls off.
Too much noise can make it difficult to hear the voice of God where you can become confused and take you off course.
Talk directly to God through prayer. Repent. Cast your cares on to Him. Be honest with him. Ask for direction on where he wants to lead you and what to focus on. You don’t have to say a long expansive prayer. Be yourself with him. He loves you. Even something as simple as “God, I am (emotion word here) about (situation here). I do not know what to do, but you do. I need your help.” This is a great conversation starter between you and God. Talk it out.
2. Stay & Listen
“He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.” - Psalms 23:2-3 NKJV
After we finish praying, it is so easy for us to get up and start moving on to the next project or idea. To gain more from your prayer sessions, stop, slow down, and spend some quality time with God.
David had a wonderful relationship with God which was beautifully illustrated in Psalm 23. David was able to see the simplicity and value in sitting with and talking with God, worshiping God, and spending time listening to God.
Lie down in green pastures. Leads me besides the still waters.
This piece of scripture illustrates a great picture of peace and serenity that is found in Him. Pure life. God’s creation quieting the soul so the noise of the world can be silenced where then God can be heard clearly. Leading you step by step on the path of righteous. B e a u t i f u l.
This would also be a great time to take out your Bible and to read His word. The Bible is the ultimate source and place to hear God’s voice. He provides us with his commandments, his wisdom, his promises, direction, and illustrations of his love throughout His word (Proverbs 7:1-5). He also speaks in other various ways like through dreams, people, nature, and thoughts. But before you run with what you thought you heard, receive confirmation from God by making sure it aligns with the Word.
3. Write & Move
“Then the LORD answered me and said: “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.” - Habakkuk 2:2-3 NKJV
This step is also very important: Write down the direction that you receive from God and start making moves about it at Gods’ pace.
It’s so exciting to receive a piece of the puzzle about where God is planning to take you and how you can serve Him. It truly is but there will be times in which you’ll face an obstacle where you might become discouraged and want to abort the mission. Like Habakkuk says above, “write the vision and make it plain that he may run who reads it.” It will serve as your motivation and foundation to the moves that you will need to make.
Also to note, this is not the time to disconnect from God and being like “Thanks, Now I got this” after he shows you the goal. Continue to let him lead the way by repeating steps 1 and 2 moment to moment.
You may find that God is taking you into an entirely new direction or into a direction that society says you should not do. This is how magnificent God is. He can bring you into places that you think you don’t belong, but you do belong for his gain. He will make a way for you.
And remember, slow obedience is still disobedience. Do not be afraid for God is with you and he will never leave you (Joshua 1:9). He will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go (Psalm 32:8). God is creating you into the young woman that he has called you to be, strengthening the Esther in you. Believe it.
Father,
Thank you for the sister, the homegirl reading this. Father, you know about the madness that is going on in the world right now. None of this comes to you as a surprise for you already knew about it at the beginning.
I pray for my homegirl’s mind, and her focus. I pray for restoration and elevation in her relationship with you. I pray for the removal of distractions in her life and that the schemes of the devil are revealed to her. I pray that she opens her heart to you, God, to receive the wisdom she needs to excel with you and for you. Lie her down by the green pastures, and calm her with the sounds of your still waters to quiet the anxiety within her, so she can hear you clearly, increasing her confidence in knowing the sound of your voice. I pray that she stays on course with your vision no matter what obstacles may come her way. Strengthen her, Father. Encourage her, Father.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.