A Bit Distracted

Matthew 21: 12-13 Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written,” he said to them, “ ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a ‘den of robbers.’’”

I'm seriously distracted this morning. Clarity of thought needs to get here by 7:00 AM. So I thought this might be a good devotional.

Living in a society where multi-tasking is the norm can be very frustrating. Can you remember when the last time you were not preoccupied? We have computers with software that is designed to allow us to use more than one application at a time. Our drive time usually includes listening to the stereo, talking to the family, all while holding a conversation of the cell phone. No wonder we look distracted. I once heard multi-tasking described as the ability to make more than one mistake at a time.

There are a couple of takes on what this scripture means. There is the literal warning to churches that you should not be selling goods in the lobby of the church. The other take on this scripture is more personal in nature. We have many scriptural references telling us our bodies are a temple. And the head of the temple is the mind. And when we look at our scriptural reference we can consider the implications of having a busy mind. How many times have you tried to worship with lots of distractions in your own mind? Thinking about work, home, kids, relatives, health, finances, etc. All these distractions diverting your focus. All of these things robbing your attention from what it really needs to be focused on. They are literally robbing you of your ability to hear the voice of God.

I am reminded of the words from Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God.” What wonderful words to help keep things in perspective. Be still and know that I am God reminds all of us that at times, we need to just be still. Shut down the multi-tasking. Turn off the cell phone, Blackberry, iPhone, mp3 player or whatever electronic device you have that distracts your focus. Place the problems of the world aside in your mind. Close the door on them. And just focus. And pray. Yes, pray. Pray for peace of mind. Pray for Jesus to come in and turn over the tables in your mind to drive out the distractions. Ask him to help you focus your mind on what is really important. I can hardly keep from chuckling at the image of Jesus walking into the temple and cleaning house. The look on the faces of those people must have been priceless. All I can say is Go Jesus! Come into our lives and turn over some tables!

Prayer: Almighty God, there are many things in our lives that divert our attention from You. We have many things we call problems that jump to the forefront in our lives. Help us Dear Lord to turn over the tables of the money changers and robbers in our own lives. Help us to remember your precious words. Be still and know that I am God. Let those words ring clearly in our hearts and minds. This we ask in the name of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen