How To Handle Your Distractions

 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead;

    fix your gaze directly before you.

26 Give careful thought to the[a] paths for your feet

    and be steadfast in all your ways.

27 Do not turn to the right or the left;

    keep your foot from evil (Proverbs 4: 25-27).

Greetings,

Yes, surprise, surprise, we do experience distractions in life. All around us are distractions, some personal, some public. However, before we charge ahead, what is a distraction? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a distraction distracts an object that directs one's attention away from something else, the act of distraction or being distracted by mental confusion. Knowing what a distraction is, how does it manifest in our lives, does it have a real purpose, and can we stay committed to gazing on the things of God?

The value of wisdom is explained through the familiar imagery of one embarking upon a "path." Knowledge and godliness illuminate the path creating safety and a secure path (Proverbs 4:18). In contrast, evil and wickedness are seen as a dark, jagged, rocky path, subject to falls and despair (Proverbs 4:19). Keeping that imagery in mind, Solomon admonishes his son to fix his gaze on what is ahead and not what is behind him. But as we know, taking our eyes off Jesus can and has led to disastrous consequences. For example, King David committed adultery with Bathsheba, destroying his family and the nation (2 Samuel 11:1). 

P.O.V. Gazing with desire upon situations can distract us from accomplishing God's will.

                                         

                                         What are you looking at?

Handling a distraction requires looking forward, which will keep you on task and helps you to avoid temptations from evil sources (Proverbs 4:14-15). The author of Hebrews admonishes us to "run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder, and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:1-2).

                                    

                                         Which path have you chosen?

The lesson one can learn from Proverbs 4 is that what we choose to look at effects not only the path we are on but also other people walking with us. 

P.O. V. If you desire wisdom, you must decide to pursue it.

Daily Wisdom Seeker,

Minister Sylvia Joyner