I find my mind drifting at times when I should be paying attention. My thoughts have wandered to future plans or past conversations. I excuse myself by saying I was distracted. Could you please repeat what you were saying?
The same is true in my quiet time. As I read God’s Word, especially familiar passages, my thoughts wander from the page to other things and I have to read a passage again, and often once more. Brain clutter, like the mess that accrues on the kitchen counter each week from unopened mail to receipts that need to be filed, becomes intermingled with my daily bread.
Jesus said, “Yes, I am the bread of life!” John 6:48 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.6.48.NLT
“Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.” John 17:17 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.17.17.NLT
“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” James 1:22 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.1.22.NLT
When I become distracted, I listen to the wrong voices. I find myself worrying or venting when I should be praying. I become easily frustrated or short tempered instead of relying on the long suffering Holy Spirit. I look to people for validation rather than living out my identity as a child of God.
Hymns are some of the best reminders for me, drawing me back to God as center. The lyrics may sound dated, reading more like a King James Version when compared to more modern translations, but the truths are timeless! Through repetition, the words are hidden in the recesses of my mind. I hum the familiar tune and the words follow. That’s when I find myself in the presence of the Lord.
“Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life.
Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.
And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:18-20 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/eph.5.19-20.NLT
When we walk with the Lord in the light of his word, what a glory he sheds on our way!While we do his good will, he abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey.
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. (Sammis,1887)
Trust and Obey > Lyrics | John H. Sammis
Have thine own way, Lord!
Have thine own way!
Thou art the potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after thy will,
while I am waiting, yielded and still.
Have thine own way, Lord!
Have thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
as in thy presence humbly I bow.
Have thine own way, Lord!
Have thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me I pray!
Power, all power, surely is thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine!
Have thine own way, Lord!
Have thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway.
Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me!
Have Thine Own Way, Lord | Hymnary.org (Pollard,1906)
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