From Distraction to Devotion: Drawing Near to God
From Distraction to Devotion: Drawing Near to God
In our modern world, we live surrounded by constant noise. Notifications ping, screens glow, and endless streams of content compete for our attention. We can find ourselves sitting in sacred spaces—whether in church, at home, or in quiet moments—yet mentally miles away, scrolling through feeds that offer distraction but never direction.
There's a profound truth we must confront: we don't drift into devotion. We drift into distraction.
The Phone and the Bible
Consider the simple choice between two objects on a table: a phone and a Bible. One offers endless distraction, pulling us into rabbit holes of content that leave us feeling drained and empty. The other offers divine direction, leading us toward refreshment and purpose. The question isn't whether we'll choose one or the other, but whether we'll recognize when our choices have pulled us away from what truly matters.
Many of us can relate to the experience of going to a store for bread and milk, only to return home with a cart full of items—but without the bread and milk we came for. If we can be so easily distracted in something as simple as grocery shopping, how much more vulnerable are we to distraction when it comes to our spiritual lives?
The journey from distraction to devotion requires intentionality. It demands that we set boundaries, create space, and make deliberate choices about where we direct our attention and energy.
The Tale of Two Sisters
Scripture gives us a powerful picture of this tension in the story of Mary and Martha. When Jesus visited their home, Martha busied herself with serving—distracted by many things. Meanwhile, Mary sat at Jesus' feet, absorbing His teaching, fully present in the moment.
When Martha complained that Mary wasn't helping, Jesus responded with words that echo through the centuries: "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken from her."
Mary understood something essential: proximity to Christ matters more than productivity for Christ. Being near Him, listening to Him, learning from Him—this is the good portion that cannot be taken away.
God's Invitation to Draw Near
The call to draw near to God isn't a human invention or religious obligation. It's a divine invitation. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that "without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
The Greek word for "diligently seek" carries the meaning of investigation. God invites us not to passively accept secondhand faith, but to investigate for ourselves who He is. We cannot ride into heaven on someone else's testimony—not our grandmother's, not our pastor's, not our spouse's. We must have our own encounter, our own relationship, our own investigation of God's character and faithfulness.
And here's the beautiful promise: He rewards those who seek Him. Nearness to God isn't just duty; it's a rewarded pursuit.
The Way Through
How do we draw near? The answer is clear: through Jesus Christ, our mediator. Jesus declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).
Peter's words in Acts 3:19 show us the path: "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."
Repentance means changing our minds and turning around—making an about-face. When we find ourselves drifting toward distraction, moving away from God's presence, repentance calls us to stop, reconsider, and redirect our steps back toward devotion.
The writer of Hebrews explains why this is possible: under the old covenant, the blood of animals could only provide temporary, ceremonial cleansing. But Christ offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice. His blood purifies our consciences from sinful deeds so we can worship the living God. We no longer need repeated sacrifices; one perfect sacrifice opened the way for us to enter God's presence with confidence.
Why Nearness Matters
When we live near God—not just visit occasionally, but dwell in His presence—transformation happens. Living close to God changes three critical areas of our lives:
Our Desires Change. What once captivated us loses its grip. The endless scroll that once consumed hours suddenly feels empty. The pursuits that drove us begin to pale in comparison to knowing Him. Our appetites shift from temporary satisfaction to eternal significance.
Our Identity Changes. Many people claim to be Christians yet live with no security in their identity as God's children. But when we live near God, He affirms in us what He created us to be—not what others want us to be, but who we truly are in Him. Our identity becomes anchored not in performance, popularity, or perception, but in His unchanging love and purpose.
Our Witness Changes. As we experience God's faithfulness repeatedly, our testimony grows. We begin to see not just isolated miracles, but the thread of His provision, protection, and presence woven throughout our lives. What we once saw as coincidence, we now recognize as His hand. Our testimony becomes a living record of His goodness, encouraging others to draw near themselves.
The Power of Devoted Prayer
When crisis comes—and it will—our proximity to God determines our response. Will we panic and spiral into distraction, or will we immediately turn to prayer, taking every thought captive and interceding with faith?
There's tremendous power when God's people refuse to be distracted by circumstances and instead press into prayer. When we compel one another to pray rather than worry, when we shift from fear to faith, when we expect God to move rather than accepting defeat—miracles happen.
God can only work a miracle when a miracle is needed. And when we bring our impossible situations to Him with expectant faith, declaring "bring it on" to whatever challenges we face, we position ourselves to witness His power in unprecedented ways.
Living in His Presence
Psalm 73:28 captures the heart of devotion: "But for me it is good to be near God. I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works."
Nearness to God isn't just good theology; it's good for us. In His presence, we find fullness of joy. In His presence, we discover peace that transcends understanding. In His presence, we experience refreshing for our weary souls.
The screens will always beckon. The distractions will never disappear. But we can choose, moment by moment, to turn from what drains us and turn toward the One who sustains us. We can set boundaries with our devices and create space for His voice. We can investigate His character and discover His faithfulness for ourselves.
The invitation stands: draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. From distraction to devotion—this is the journey that changes everything.
In our modern world, we live surrounded by constant noise. Notifications ping, screens glow, and endless streams of content compete for our attention. We can find ourselves sitting in sacred spaces—whether in church, at home, or in quiet moments—yet mentally miles away, scrolling through feeds that offer distraction but never direction.
There's a profound truth we must confront: we don't drift into devotion. We drift into distraction.
The Phone and the Bible
Consider the simple choice between two objects on a table: a phone and a Bible. One offers endless distraction, pulling us into rabbit holes of content that leave us feeling drained and empty. The other offers divine direction, leading us toward refreshment and purpose. The question isn't whether we'll choose one or the other, but whether we'll recognize when our choices have pulled us away from what truly matters.
Many of us can relate to the experience of going to a store for bread and milk, only to return home with a cart full of items—but without the bread and milk we came for. If we can be so easily distracted in something as simple as grocery shopping, how much more vulnerable are we to distraction when it comes to our spiritual lives?
The journey from distraction to devotion requires intentionality. It demands that we set boundaries, create space, and make deliberate choices about where we direct our attention and energy.
The Tale of Two Sisters
Scripture gives us a powerful picture of this tension in the story of Mary and Martha. When Jesus visited their home, Martha busied herself with serving—distracted by many things. Meanwhile, Mary sat at Jesus' feet, absorbing His teaching, fully present in the moment.
When Martha complained that Mary wasn't helping, Jesus responded with words that echo through the centuries: "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken from her."
Mary understood something essential: proximity to Christ matters more than productivity for Christ. Being near Him, listening to Him, learning from Him—this is the good portion that cannot be taken away.
God's Invitation to Draw Near
The call to draw near to God isn't a human invention or religious obligation. It's a divine invitation. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that "without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
The Greek word for "diligently seek" carries the meaning of investigation. God invites us not to passively accept secondhand faith, but to investigate for ourselves who He is. We cannot ride into heaven on someone else's testimony—not our grandmother's, not our pastor's, not our spouse's. We must have our own encounter, our own relationship, our own investigation of God's character and faithfulness.
And here's the beautiful promise: He rewards those who seek Him. Nearness to God isn't just duty; it's a rewarded pursuit.
The Way Through
How do we draw near? The answer is clear: through Jesus Christ, our mediator. Jesus declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).
Peter's words in Acts 3:19 show us the path: "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."
Repentance means changing our minds and turning around—making an about-face. When we find ourselves drifting toward distraction, moving away from God's presence, repentance calls us to stop, reconsider, and redirect our steps back toward devotion.
The writer of Hebrews explains why this is possible: under the old covenant, the blood of animals could only provide temporary, ceremonial cleansing. But Christ offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice. His blood purifies our consciences from sinful deeds so we can worship the living God. We no longer need repeated sacrifices; one perfect sacrifice opened the way for us to enter God's presence with confidence.
Why Nearness Matters
When we live near God—not just visit occasionally, but dwell in His presence—transformation happens. Living close to God changes three critical areas of our lives:
Our Desires Change. What once captivated us loses its grip. The endless scroll that once consumed hours suddenly feels empty. The pursuits that drove us begin to pale in comparison to knowing Him. Our appetites shift from temporary satisfaction to eternal significance.
Our Identity Changes. Many people claim to be Christians yet live with no security in their identity as God's children. But when we live near God, He affirms in us what He created us to be—not what others want us to be, but who we truly are in Him. Our identity becomes anchored not in performance, popularity, or perception, but in His unchanging love and purpose.
Our Witness Changes. As we experience God's faithfulness repeatedly, our testimony grows. We begin to see not just isolated miracles, but the thread of His provision, protection, and presence woven throughout our lives. What we once saw as coincidence, we now recognize as His hand. Our testimony becomes a living record of His goodness, encouraging others to draw near themselves.
The Power of Devoted Prayer
When crisis comes—and it will—our proximity to God determines our response. Will we panic and spiral into distraction, or will we immediately turn to prayer, taking every thought captive and interceding with faith?
There's tremendous power when God's people refuse to be distracted by circumstances and instead press into prayer. When we compel one another to pray rather than worry, when we shift from fear to faith, when we expect God to move rather than accepting defeat—miracles happen.
God can only work a miracle when a miracle is needed. And when we bring our impossible situations to Him with expectant faith, declaring "bring it on" to whatever challenges we face, we position ourselves to witness His power in unprecedented ways.
Living in His Presence
Psalm 73:28 captures the heart of devotion: "But for me it is good to be near God. I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works."
Nearness to God isn't just good theology; it's good for us. In His presence, we find fullness of joy. In His presence, we discover peace that transcends understanding. In His presence, we experience refreshing for our weary souls.
The screens will always beckon. The distractions will never disappear. But we can choose, moment by moment, to turn from what drains us and turn toward the One who sustains us. We can set boundaries with our devices and create space for His voice. We can investigate His character and discover His faithfulness for ourselves.
The invitation stands: draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. From distraction to devotion—this is the journey that changes everything.
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