Now more than ever this world is filled with distractions. From iPhones to iPads, distractions are constantly at our finger tips- quite literally! Sometimes we don't even know we are being distracted, which is the frightening! How often have you spent time on your phone, or thinking about your to-do list, and you didn't realize how much time had passed until you looked at the clock! I know I have done this more times than I care to admit.

A few weeks ago, I woke up at my normal 5 am alarm to spend time with Jesus. I got my coffee and got cozy under my favorite blanket, and just as I opened my Bible, I could literally feel my attention being drawn in many directions. I was thinking about the week ahead, things I had to do that day, and the grocery list I had to make.

I got on my phone to jot down my to-do list, (which I find eases my mind from running to-do's in my mind), and before you know it I found myself on Instagram checking messages and scrolling reels! I don't even know at what point I was drawn to check social media, but all I know is that my precious time with Jesus was wasted, and I got sucked into distractions that had no importance. As a result, my morning quiet time with Jesus felt fruitless, and I deeply regretted how I let myself be pulled away by my phone!

I’m aware of distractions, and most of the time I recognize them, and lay them down, (as well as my phone). But there have been far too many times that I have gotten pulled away from what truly matters, because I traded what was valuable for that which has no lasting value.

I share this in full transparency because I know I can’t be the only one; In fact, I know I’m not the only one! Distractions come in many forms, and they come to all of us. The enemy knows if he can distract us from time spent with Jesus through prayer, reading the bible, and time in Gods presence, then he can get us off course, miss what God is speaking, and ultimately into deception. It may not happen overnight, but over time our hearts become less sensitive to the leading of God and His voice.

Once I realized I wanted to change, I asked God to help me see and perceive when I was being distracted. Sean and I also decided to fast from social media and everything else that pulled for our attention. Initially, it felt challenging to step away from the constant notifications and distractions, but as the days went by, we began to notice our hearts becoming more aware of God, and less of a pull in other directions. We found ourselves more present with each other and more sensitive to God’s voice, guiding us in ways we hadn’t anticipated. This intentional break not only deepened our connection with Jesus and each other but also made us more aware of the importance of limiting our involvement with distractions.

Limiting distractions is vital because it allows us to still the noise, which enables us to hear God’s voice. When our hearts are being pulled in too many directions, we risk missing God's still small voice and guidance that can lead us on the path He intends for us. Being still before God and making Him our first priority deepens our relationship with Him so we can pursue the unique calling He has designed for each of us!

So I challenge you to ask yourself today... Are you being distracted? If so, how can you limit the noise? xo Katie