Turning My Eyes Upon Jesus

On focus and the thorns of distraction.

Photo by Pao Dayag on Unsplash

Distraction is a major tactic used by the enemy of our souls. This present age is rife with it. Opportunities abound to connect with people around the world, to shop at all hours, to travel extensively, to access vast amounts of information at the touch of a phone screen. I am expected to be ‘in the know’ and aware of all the important issues of the day. Of course, I do want to know, I don’t want to live in wilful ignorance or feel irrelevant.

There are wonderful opportunities for the good news of Jesus Christ to be shared globally. Believers from every continent can virtually gather, pray, and study the Bible together. Social justice efforts are multiplied as millions unite in support of various causes. This is such an exciting time to be alive. It is also such a distracting time to be alive.

Choices and opportunities (whether good or bad) often distract me from fixing my eyes on Jesus and focusing on what truly matters. I quickly forget that my priorities and the world’s priorities are not necessarily (or usually) God’s priorities.

I am constantly aware of all the things I have yet to learn/do/achieve/read/plan/prepare for. I am innately curious and love learning, yet at times the thought of reaching for my phone to ‘Google’ something, read a specialist article or pick up another literary masterpiece wearies me. There is wisdom in delayed gratification.

I crave quiet. I value it. At times I feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of people and noise around me (which is surprising considering I live in a relatively small town).

For example, on Monday…

Cars/ vans/ trucks clutter the small road where I live—parked precariously on every corner. Local traffic is slow and heavy on what I assume will be a quiet day for travelling.

The neighbours are drilling/mowing/shouting outside on a lovely spring day as I sit in the garden, attempting to enjoy the quiet.

There is barely room to move in the local supermarket. Shopping trolleys dodge each other at the last minute, and I inevitably end up standing dangerously close to someone as I peruse the shelves for essentials. The self service machine's robotic voice asks me multiple questions, beeping continuously as I check out; do I have my own bag? Have I got a loyalty card? Am I paying cash or card?

Amongst all this my thoughts clamour for attention; how do I handle this new parenting phase? Am I praying enough about x, y and z? How can I make a long term career plan that is family friendly and viable? How are we going to find enough money for x,y and z? Oh, I haven't spoken to (insert family member or friend here) in a while! I should get in touch…And on it goes.

Then…does anyone else’s heart sink at the sound of their mobile phone ringing? (maybe that’s just me).

Life today is full to the brim. I strive to live a quiet life—but even with that lofty intention this ultra-connected, fast-food, fast-paced society is relentless. My dream of a distraction free life; living in a large barn conversion in remote countryside, (with only my family and a couple of donkeys for company) won’t be realised any time soon.

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Distraction is a pervasive problem. I am too easily distracted by persistent struggles in my life and in the life of those around me. I am distracted by good opportunities. I am distracted by the potential each day holds and by disappointment when my best laid plans go awry. In the heat of fiery trials I am slow to think about growing in Christ-likeness, or to ponder how the fruit of the Spirit can be developed in me. I notice that these thoughts eventually come when I pause. When I stop talking/complaining/blaming. When I stop trying to fix everything.

When I pause and pray I more readily discern the negative influence of distraction. In those moments of quieting my heart, I can listen for God’s direction, wisdom and His way of peace. Practically, this looks like driving in silence rather than listening to a podcast or music ( even spiritually edifying ones!). Going into my bedroom, closing the door ( a do-not-disturb hint to my children) and reaching for my Bible. Ignoring the to-do list for an hour and praying. Fighting despondency, spiritual lethargy, decision fatigue and the easy comfort blanket of entertainment which distraction promises.

I am praying that the thorns of distraction will not choke the fruit of God’s word working in and through me.

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‘Others are like seed sown among thorns; these are the ones who hear the word, but the worries of this age, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.’ ( Mark 4:18-19 CSB)

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There is a time for gathering information, for meetings, for working hard and serving. We are created to enjoy fulfilling work. God knows our limitations and the demands on our time. But the frenetic pace of today's world quickly leads to burn out and overwhelm. In the midst of frantic activities it is hard to turn our eyes upon Jesus and look full in His wonderful face.

Do the things of earth grow strangely dim when we are surrounded by crowds, noise and endless scrolling?

That’s why I love reading the Bible. It is unrelenting in the reality check it gives. It tells me plainly that without Jesus I can do nothing. It warns me if I try to salvage my life I may end up losing the meaning of it. It shares incredible stories of those who considered worldly achievements nothing compared to knowing Christ.

I plan to get a simple ‘no frills’ Bible to read and enjoy like an epic saga. I want an immersive experience; reading without stopping to take notes, highlight or research anything. I need regular washing in the water of the word, for my mind to be completely renewed. When I'm distracted, tired and overwhelmed, the last thing I want to do is study. But I usually want to read.

I will still reach for the books on my ever growing TBR (to be read) stack, but I also want to prioritise God’s word. It will be lovely to have a more relaxed, distraction free way to spend time soaking up the timeless truth and beauty of the scriptures.

Come to Jesus, you who are weary, distracted and carrying the weight of the world. He will give you rest.