How to Stay Focused In Chaos?

Life can be very demanding, and somewhat draining at times.

If we get swept up in the current of the ebbs and flows of life it could cause us to be crushed, or drowned by the waves, rather than riding the waves. I believe that Christ partners with us in life and helps us maneuver and ride the different waves. When we become sucked into the raging waves around us it can cause us to drown or be suffocated by the cares of life.

So, how do we maintain our focus, and still remain secure and planted in our faith?

During the beginning of the pandemic, during prayer and reflection God gave me this message, and I am sharing it with you in hopes that it will equip you, and help you when the chaos around you becomes louder and begins to ravage your sense of security, peace, and focus.

We need to first identify and recognize the things that cause us to become distracted.

1. Distracted by preparations (i.e. work).

In Luke 10:40-41, Martha was so busy working that she neglected to prioritize the importance of spending time in God's presence.

Luke 10:40-41 (NIV)

40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

"Do not prioritize what needs to get done, over nourishing your soul."

Busyness can be a distraction, and it can cause you to miss what you truly need, to be able to handle the affairs of your life. You need to spend time with God so you can cast your worries at his feet. If you are consumed by busyness and find yourself overwhelmed with worry, your busyness is serving as an avoidance from dealing with the matters that are troubling your soul. How can you combat busyness?

a. Find a secluded place.

Mark 1:35 (NIV)

35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

b. Spend time in undistracted devotion.

1 Corinthians 7:35 (NIV)

35 I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.

2. Distracted by the worries of the world.

Mark 4:19, paints a picture of how worry, deceitfulness of riches, and desires choke out the word and cause us to be unfruitful. This verse, indicates that the outcome of being distracted by all the world has to offer is unfruitfulness, which equates to a lack of produce, and sustenance in our life because we are consumed with all of the things of the world. Our obsession with the things of the world leaves with an inability to be able to receive nourishment from the word. Instead, of digesting the word, and allowing it to nourish us, our desire for the world chokes out the very thing we need to replenish and nourish our life.

How do we stop the choking? By continually laying down our worries, and picking up the hope that is promised and manifested through faith in his word.

1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

3. Distracted by the wrong voices.

If the voices we entertain or give an audience to are causing us to deviate from God's promises or distracting us from the assignment that God has given it's the wrong voice.

It can be hard to distinguish between reason and wisdom. Oftentimes the differentiator is confirmation.

God will never contradict what he has already confirmed.

I remember years, ago it was prophesied I would teach and preach God's word, and there were seasons I was told that although God called me to operate in these gifts that God would not be able to use me the way he wanted to being apart of the local church I am a member of today. I can attest that God continues to do what he said, and that the other voice had an ulterior motive that was in their on self interest.