Tuning Out The World

Have you ever had times when you were so overcome with the woes of the world and life that you came before God's throne only to struggle with focus? Do your struggles keep interrupting your time with God?

Even as I write this, I find myself  distracted and drawn to other situations and problems that seem to need my attention, but they really don't. Not everything, actually most things, are not as emergent as we tend to think or feel. We get wrapped up in the now. I have to get the van fixed now! I have to clean the house now! I have to deal with this situation now! What would really happen if we stepped back and even for an hour said, "OK God, I don't know what to do. I a, so tired, so frustrated, so done with this. God show me what to do. Help me to focus on you." 

Would the world fall apart? Would all come to a crashing halt?  Or would you find yourself more in alignment with God's will and His peace?

We live in a "now " world. We can order food, transportation, leggings, and so much more from our smart devices. We can get two day shipping and we can usually get to a store within minutes. We can video conference with friends and we can get a message to a person before even taking the time to think about what we wrote. We live in a "now" world, and that can be a blessing in many ways. I have access to my Bible right now. I can tell others about God's love now. 

This can also be a huge hindrance to our walk with God. God does not have to fit into our expectations and boxes. We tend to waver in faith as any amount of time passes.  Say this not with judgement, but as one who struggles with it as well. I want to tell God what I want and need and I want to either see a difference or hear His voice immediately. He has always been my strength and my provider in the past, yet I tend to fear as soon as troubles arise. 

I discovered at 6 am that my day was already ruined. Continued vehicle troubles combined with appointments and finding transportation for my husband to and from work, put me over the edge. My head was immediately filled with anxieties and strife. What seemed like a thousand questions in need of what I though was immediate attention came streaming into my brain. I was blinded to the love and support my hubby needed after a long day at work. I was actually making things harder on him by becoming overwhelmed. I also had immediately taken my eyes off of God. I hopped on the computer and started researching pricing, parts, and transportation. I needed to find answers and felt like I would be in unrest until I did, only to make things worse for myself. 

What I really needed to do was go and seek out God. I needed to pray, but even more so I needed to humble myself in His presence. I went upstairs and began to listen to worship music and pray. I prayed for the situation. I prayed for my family. I prayed that I would be able to leave things at His throne. My prayer time was bombarded by distractions. The phone, the children, the cars passing by, the strange itch on the back of my right calf, and most of all the thoughts. Although I tried to lay the situation down and give it to God, I kept picking it right back up. I kept trying to think my way through the situation instead of just spending the time with my Father. Over and over I layer it down, but almost as quickly I continued to think about it. I was struggling to stay focused on Him who gives me strength. I wanted to just quit praying and quit worshiping. What do you do when you can't tune out the world? 

When you give something to God, as many times as you pick it back up and try to take it on yourself, place it back down. Even if it takes 100 times or more, just keep giving it to Him and repent of trying to do it yourself. Pray that God would increase your faith in Him to handle it. Then praise God, not for what he is doing to do but for who He is. He is the creator. He is the King above all kings. He is the God of the Israel and He still reigns. He sent His son to die for your sins and mine. He is worthy of all glory and honor, no matter the situation we find ourselves in. 

Prayer:

Father God, I thank you for Your love and grace. God, You are the creator of all. You are King above all and You reign with love and justice. You know what is on our hearts and You already have a plan for us. Father God, I pray that our my eyes would be set on You alone. God help me to not be distracted by other things. Help me to become less so that I can remember that You are more. I thank you for your love. I thank you that while you are a mighty ruler, you are also a loving personal God who cares about me and my struggles. I pray that You would be glorified through this. Help me to be a light even in the tough times. Help me to grow in faith, to know that You alone are my strength and You are my provider. Thank you Lord, Amen 

Scripture:
 

John 3:30 "He must become greater; I must become less."

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.