Are children the only ones who need to be learning? One might think it a silly question as we are always learning throughout life, though not always in a formal classroom setting. Our learning doesn’t just include what we need to know to live in the physical world, but also the spiritual one – 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) tells us “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me!” said with exasperation and dramatic flair while flopping onto the bed or back in the chair. This is a statement from my grandson now that schooling has transitioned to home; where he would rather be playing video games or with his dog. So, anyone ever tell the Lord you want to be a good student and ask for help with tendencies to be distracted by other things? If so you’re not alone, the prayer just happened to be mine as I began daily devotions. I have such good intentions to study or be in prayer when I am suddenly bombarded from various angles. The cat wants attention, the phone rings, the birds are chirping, thoughts pop in of things to be done or remembering this and that. Yikes! Where does it all come from? Does it lurk in corners like dust bunnies just waiting for opportunity?
Back to topic, after asking for help in this area I go to read; what do you think the first scripture my eyes see is… Hebrew 12:11 ESV, “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Hmm, is this my day for instruction? Discipline seems painful…but it yields…to those who have been trained. So do I discipline the lurking dust bunnies (distractions) or myself in how to deal with them?
I think there may be wisdom in going into a closet (figuratively speaking) to pray (Mathew 6:6), besides private prayer time, a closet also blocks distractions, it shuts the world out. When time for schoolwork it makes my grandson unhappy when I put the dog out of the room and close the door. He likes the dog with him but he’s a big distraction; running in and out, barking at anything that moves outside the window, chewing on toys, or nuzzling in for attention.
The only way for undistracted study (or prayer) is, for a time – to be separated from distractions. “You’ve got to be kidding me!” Nope…perhaps it’s another reason we are admonished to – be still and know that He is God. When we are quieted before Him, is it not easier to hear and learn?
Lord, I want to be a good student of yours, help with my tendencies to be distracted. I want to be disciplined that I might know the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Amen
Beyond the Silver Coin 