So keep your mind on Jesus. . . . Then you won’t get discouraged and give up. —Hebrews 12:3 (CEV)
It was a cold January morning, so I cranked up the heat in my old home, wrapped myself in a blanket, and snuggled in my prayer chair. Sipping some steaming coffee, I glanced at my day planner, which was opened to yesterday’s date—but none of my goals were crossed off! I groaned. I fell into bed exhausted last night. What did I do all day? I flipped back and wondered, What did I do all week? The only thing I’d accomplished had been distractions.
I flipped open my Bible and whined to God. I’m so discouraged. Will I ever learn to focus? Suddenly, a housefly, which must have been tucked away for winter hibernation, woke up from the heat. It flew around my lamp, nearly bopping me in the head. I swatted at it, but it dodged away.
Once again I read a couple of verses. Bzzzz, bzzz, bzzz. Warp speed, the critter skimmed past my nose and dove around the lightbulb in crazy spiraling circles. It looked like a fighter pilot on a bombing mission as he flew straight for the light. Bam! He crashed head-on and fell into my coffee! “Gross.”
When I picked up my coffee cup to dump it, I had a strange thought. Distractions are like that pesky fly; they discourage me and I end up tossing away my goals. It’s time to focus on God and tackle my days with Him.
The following week I consciously struggled to keep my thoughts on God, asking Him to lead me. Each day I whittled away at my goals.
Lord, help me stay tuned to You. Amen.
Digging Deeper: Hebrews 3:1; 12:2
Excerpted from Daily Guideposts 2021.
