Day 2: When Distractions Abound

“ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)

It’s easy to be pulled away from Bible reading and prayer. Maybe each time you settle down to meet with Jesus, it feels as if the world conspires to interrupt you – a sudden wail from the baby, a forgotten email that needs immediate attention, a stack of laundry glaring at you from the corner of the room, or a notification on your phone that leads to 15 minutes of scrolling.

Or how about the distractions in our mind? The weight of worries and responsibilities that eventually overtake our thoughts and result in a quickly skimmed verse and skipped prayer. Then we leave our quiet time and get back to the “real work.”

How often are we like Martha, overwhelmed with our many duties, struggling to simply sit at Jesus’ feet.

Quiet time is a reminder that only one thing is needed: the presence and power of Jesus. It’s ok to be distracted, it’s ok to pause for a moment to go meet another need, and some days our quiet time will look like five minutes of crying out to God for his help in our overwhelm. And yet, Jesus gently reminds Martha, and us, that choosing the ‘better part’ – focused time in his presence – is not only possible, but vital.

So, how can we make space for the ‘better part’ amid our sea of distractions? Here are a few practical strategies:

• Set a dedicated time and place: Designate a specific part of your day for Bible reading and prayer. It might be early morning before everyone else wakes up, or perhaps during a little one’s naptime. If you miss it, that’s ok! Quiet time can happen any time of day.
• Limit technology: If your phone or computer tend to lure you away, consider turning off notifications or putting them aside during your quiet time.
• Capture intrusive thoughts: Keep a notepad or journal handy. If your mind starts racing with tasks or worries, jot them down to tackle later. This will allow you to refocus without forgetting anything important.

As you tackle the problem of quiet time distractions, don’t be afraid to start small. Even just a few minutes of focused time with God are incredibly worthwhile! As this practice becomes a habit in your life, you may find yourself naturally extending this time. Simply do what your season allows and trust in the Lord to help you along the way.

Application:

As you navigate your day, reflect on your own ‘Martha moments’ and consider how the strategies above can help you choose the ‘better part.’ Remember, it’s not about creating the perfect quiet time but about cultivating a heart that seeks his presence amidst the hum of daily life.