Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. - Proverbs 4:25-27
While out driving last week, my husband and I saw a car wrongly entering the highway from an exit ramp! There had to be a terrifying moment for that driver when the realization set in and he saw oncoming cars at highway speeds! Caught in a life-threatening scenario, I can only imagine his desperate desire to get turned around in the right direction.
Thankfully, I've never personally entered a highway in this manner. But it provides a good metaphor for the roads we travel and the turns we choose to take. Life moves at highway speeds. We can get so caught up in the traffic flow and busyness that we lose sight of the route we're on and our ultimate destination. We can even get so distracted at times that we make wrong turns with dangerous consequences.
The Bible’s remedy for busyness and distraction is prioritizing time with God—intentionally unplugging from external noises and meeting God in prayer and scripture. Be honest with God about your distractions and specifically ask for help to overcome them. Read scripture daily as a way to commune with God. Rest in His promises. Recognize that your strength comes from Him and lean on Him in all you do. Make a conscious choice to say "no" to distractions and "yes" to God's will and guidance. This will help your heart and mind focus on what matters most.
As the holiday season approaches, it’s tempting to step on the accelerator to meet all our obligations. But keeping time with God as priority will not only maintain our focus, it will also prevent us from making some catastrophic wrong turns.
CLOSING PRAYER
Father in heaven, thank you for always being ready to spend time with me, to counsel me, and to keep me on a good path. I recognize that time with you is essential in my faith journey. Help me create daily space to connect with you through prayer and scripture as I prioritize my my walk with you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.