Small Situations, Big Distractions

15 Oct Small Situations, Big Distractions

Let’s examine our lives and the various situations that occur, that may get us off track. Often we can receive a piece of information and it can throw off our whole day, even the week at times. Why does this happen and why do we let this happen?

I want to walk you through four suggestions to handling small situations and not allowing them to distract you. 

First, I’d like to provide you with an example in my own life:

A few days before my bridal shower at the beginning of this month, I received information from someone that allowed me to see the whole picture of what would need to be done to prepare for something that is to come. Yes, it involved finances, which can be a touchy subject for all of us (if we do not realize that money is a tool, not the only source). So I received this bit of information, and I started to spiral into negative thoughts and I began to come up with scenarios on how it can be “resolved” or how I can “handle” it. Don’t we all try to do that? – taking on burdens on our own? I allowed this situation that I was faced with, which was out of my control and could not be handled on my own, to put me in a place that I did not need to be in. The fact is, I placed myself there, based on my choice of reaction to the situation. See, when we are faced with situations, we have a choice to make – depend on ourselves or depend on God. 

Here is how we can handle small situations so that they do not become big distractions: 

1. Master your mind. 

We will often be fought through our mind and our mindset. If we allow negative thoughts to supersede thoughts that are in alignment with what God says about us, then we can end up in a dark place. Furthermore, a wrong mindset can have us stuck in places we should have grown out of and dwelling in places of stagnation, poverty and limitations. You must take control of your mind and remain in God’s promises. Here are a few things God says about you:  

Deuteronomy 28:13 : The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.

Matthew 5:14 : You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

2. Draw close to God. 

I have found that when I seek God more, I have more peace. I am not easily influenced by people, situations and circumstances. I start each day pursuing God and it helps me handle different situations with peace. I also notice that when I fall short in my pursuit of God, I am a bit off. My attitude may be different that day, I may take offense to people, I will have more negative thoughts, and the list goes on…

Philippians 4:7: and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

Don’t get so caught up in this world, that you forget about pursuing the creator, God. 

3. Take the weight off yourself. 

Have you read this scripture before?:

Psalm 55:22 : Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

I challenge you read it again and really examine what it is saying to you. 

If God says to cast our cares on him, why do we continue to go back and pick them back up? We will say “Okay God, I am putting this in your hands” and then the next day, we’re trying to find our own solution for what we just gave to Him. We do this all the time and then wonder why we cannot live in peace. 

Give to God, and leave them there. 

4. Wait in patience and in expectation.

We read Jeremiah 29:11 earlier, but did we really understand what it was saying?

Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

God knows His plans for us, so that means he knows how every scenario is going to work out, the date in which it will, what divine connections will manifest in order to get us there and how He will meet every need. 

So why do we spend so much time making our own plans and trying to figure out our own lives? Because of pride, fear of the unknown and wanting to be in control. 

Reflecting on the situation I faced, that became a big distraction, I can now see I made something God can work out into something I needed to figure out myself. 

Do you know that God will never leave you or forsake you? That means you can tell Him your need (although He already knows it) and He has already set a plan for it. Every single detail is handled. 

Deuteronomy 31:6 : Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 : The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Be encouraged today that every detail is handled. The income will be there. The home is ready for you. Every need is met. 

Be at peace knowing you have given it to God.