There are so many distractions to lead us from that quiet time with God. Many times when our prayer season begins, we are immediately disturbed by empty thoughts of the world which have nothing to do with our time with the Lord. Much quality time is lost when distractions of mind and heart are allowed to replace the time with God.
We are told to “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23
Be concerned! A wandering uncontrolled heart can cause the loss of your soul and may cause the spot of a hypocrite to appear on your soul. How you respond to a wandering heart is a reflection of carefulness or carelessness and gives evidence of either sincerity or hypocrisy. You see, a hypocrite can perform a round of duties never regarding the condition of his heart or its wanderings. Never be satisfied with an empty round of duties, including prayer.
“Christians should be careful that they keep the heart with all diligence. They should cultivate a love for meditation, and cherish a spirit of devotion. Many seem to begrudge moments spent in meditation, and the searching of the Scriptures, and prayer, as though the time thus occupied was lost. … To keep your heart in Heaven, will give vigor to all your graces, and put life into all your duties. To discipline the mind to dwell upon heavenly things, will put life and earnestness into all our endeavors.” The Review and Herald, March 29, 1870.
“The noble powers of the mind have been given to us by the Lord, that we may employ them in contemplating heavenly things.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 3, 1145.
The first thing you need to do when you find your heart under the powers of distraction is to humble yourself before God right then and call for assistance from heaven.
- Each wandering thought should bring sorrow to your heart.
- Lift your voice to God and ask Him to forgive you and to help you.
- Tell Him you came to spend time with Him, but all of these thoughts are bombarding you.
Never consider this a small matter when something takes you away from communing with God. Plead for the Lord to never let you leave His presence until your heart is one with Him.
Our prayer should always be, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14.
Father, I come to spend time with You. I am so sorry all of these thoughts are bombarding me; please forgive me. Lord, how can I claim the promise, “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31) while these distractions will not let me wait peacefully in Thy presence? I would so enjoy this time of communion with You without any distractions of mind or heart. Grant me peace of mind and heart that I may sit with You in that secret place and find that fullness of joy in Thy presence. Amen.