If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself saying, “I need to keep God first in my life.”
But then you blink, and suddenly you’re three episodes deep into a Netflix series, scrolling through endless social media feeds, or juggling a million tasks at once.
Life gets busy, and distractions are everywhere. But keeping God at the forefront of our lives is crucial for our spiritual health and overall well-being.
Recognize the Enemy’s Tactics
Let’s get real for a moment. The enemy loves to use modern distractions to keep us from embracing God’s peace.
Satan knows that a distracted mind is a divided mind, and a divided mind is less likely to focus on God.
Whether it’s the allure of social media, the constant stream of news, or the endless to-do lists, these distractions can become tools the enemy uses to pull us away from God’s presence.
The enemy’s tactics are often subtle, sneaking into our lives in the most unsuspecting ways.
It starts with a seemingly harmless habit—checking your phone first thing in the morning. Before you know it, you’re caught in a cycle of distraction, feeling distant from God.
Here’s a deeper look at how the enemy uses modern distractions and what we can do to guard against them.
Social Media and Screen Time
Social media platforms are designed to capture your attention and keep you scrolling.
The endless feed of updates, photos, and videos can be enticing, but it can also be a major distraction.
The enemy uses this allure to steal your time and focus, making it easy to neglect your spiritual life.
To combat this, set specific times for checking social media and stick to them. Use tools that limit your screen time or track your usage.
Make a conscious effort to replace some of that screen time with activities that draw you closer to God—like reading the Bible, praying, or spending time in nature.
News and Information Overload
We live in an age of information overload. The constant barrage of news can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing.
The enemy uses this to keep us in a state of worry and fear, distracting us from the peace that comes from trusting in God.
To counteract this, be selective about your news sources and limit how often you check the news.
Focus on the positive and stay informed without becoming consumed.
Remember Philippians 4:8, which encourages us to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Let these principles guide what you allow into your mind.
Busyness and Overcommitment
The enemy loves to keep us busy. When our schedules are packed, it’s easy to neglect our spiritual disciplines.
The constant rush from one activity to the next leaves little room for quiet time with God.
Take a step back and evaluate your commitments. Are there activities that you can cut back on or eliminate to make more room for God?
Prioritize your spiritual health by scheduling time for prayer, Bible study, and rest. Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16), and we should follow His example.
Entertainment and Leisure
While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a good movie or playing a game, entertainment can become a distraction if it consumes too much of our time and attention.
The enemy uses these leisure activities to divert our focus away from God.
Find a balance.
Enjoy your favorite activities, but set boundaries. Incorporate faith-based entertainment into your routine, such as watching Christian movies, attending faith-based events, or participating in community service.
By doing so, you’re not just entertained but also spiritually nourished.
How to Stay Focused on God Amidst the Noise
So, how do we stay focused on God in this noisy world? Here are some friendly tips to help you keep God first, even when life tries to pull you in a hundred different directions.
1. Start Your Day in God’s Word
Mornings can be a whirlwind of activity—getting the kids ready, planning your day, and trying to squeeze in a quick breakfast.
But starting your day with God’s Word sets a positive tone for everything that follows.
Think of it like fueling up before a long drive. Without gas, you’ll eventually sputter and stop. The same goes for our spiritual journey.
Begin each day by diving into the Bible. Even if it’s just a few verses, this practice can ground you and remind you of God’s presence and promises.
Try reading a Psalm, a Proverb, or a passage from the Gospels. Pair your reading with prayer, asking God to guide you throughout the day.
You might even jot down a key verse on a sticky note and place it somewhere you’ll see it often—like on your bathroom mirror or refrigerator.
This way, you’re not just reading the Word, but you’re carrying it with you, letting it shape your thoughts and actions.
2. Stay Connected to Him Throughout the Day
It’s easy to think of our spiritual lives as something we do in the morning or at church on Sundays, but our relationship with God is meant to be ongoing.
Stay connected to Him throughout your day.
This can be as simple as pausing for a quick prayer, listening to worship music while you work, or even taking a moment to thank God for the little blessings that come your way.
Think of it like staying in touch with a close friend. You wouldn’t just talk to them once a day and then ignore them, right?
You’d text, call, or send a quick message whenever something came up.
Do the same with God. Share your joys, frustrations, and everything in between.
By keeping an open line of communication, you’ll find that God feels less like a distant figure and more like an integral part of your daily life.
3. Be Mindful of Your Input
In our digital age, we’re constantly bombarded with information—news, social media updates, emails, and more.
While technology can be a great tool, it can also become a major distraction, pulling us away from our focus on God.
Be mindful of what you’re consuming. Ask yourself, “Is this bringing me closer to God or pulling me away?”
Try setting boundaries for your media consumption.
Limit your time on social media, unsubscribe from newsletters that don’t add value to your life, and choose content that uplifts and inspires you.
Instead of scrolling through your feed first thing in the morning, open your Bible app. Instead of binge-watching a show, listen to a faith-based podcast or read a Christian book.
By curating your input, you create space for God to speak to you and work in your life.
Keeping God first in a world full of distractions is no easy feat, but it’s definitely worth the effort.
By starting your day in God’s Word, staying connected to Him throughout the day, and being mindful of your input, you create a spiritual foundation that can withstand the chaos of modern life.
And remember, the enemy will try to distract you, but with God’s help, you can stay focused on what truly matters.
So, let’s commit to putting God first, even when the world tries to pull us in every other direction.
Let’s embrace His peace and let it guide us through each day. Together, we can navigate this noisy world with our eyes fixed on Jesus.
Be sure to also read: How to Embrace God’s Peace in Your Life.
