Undistracted

But in your hearts revere [set apart] Christ as Lord.
(1 PETER 3:15A)

Thought for the Day: Our cravings and distractions are not meant to overwhelm us. They are meant to show our ability to crave what we need the most.

When I started out on my Made to Crave journey, I found myself surprised by a pivotal choice. The decision that confronted me was whether or not I would “set apart” Christ as my Lord.

Many times, lesser things distracted me and even defeated me. I knew that if I was going to grow closer to God, I’d have to distance myself from distractions. At the time, the biggest issue in my life was the distraction of food. You likely chose this devotional because food is a significant distraction for you as well. However, in a time like ours, when life is complex and moves at the speed of light, we typically battle more than one distraction.

Just prior to Peter’s appeal to set our hearts apart in Christ, he says, “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened” (1 Peter 3:14). In other words, there will be a cost to setting apart Christ as Lord. It won’t be easy or comfortable. It might even make us afraid.

Maybe you’ve experienced the fear of failure, fear of starting strong but not reaching your goal, or fear of being scrutinized by others. I know these fears.

May I gently tuck a challenge into your soul? I want to encourage you to push past that fear today and to fast from whatever poses a distraction from God. A fast can be more than just abstaining from food. We fast whenever we remove any distraction from daily life in order to focus on God’s goodness and allow him to draw us closer.

If fasting for a whole day seems like too much, then try fasting for just an hour or two. Every time you think about that desire — for food, that activity, that cigarette, or anything else that distracts you from God’s goodness — use that desire as a trigger to pray. Yes, we’ve talked about this before, but these prayers will be more like a two-way conversation with God. Pray to Him with whispers of need, love, hope, and courage. Let His truth answer back and reassure you.

I need help.

And Jesus whispers, “[I am your] refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

This situation makes me afraid. Comfort me.

And Jesus whispers, “[I] will be with you; [I] will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8).

I am tired.

And Jesus whispers, “Come to me, [when you are] weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Jesus, you feel far away and that doughnut feels very close.

And Jesus whispers, “[Nothing] will be able to separate us” (Romans 8:39).

Share your most honest thoughts in prayer by writing them out. Next to your prayers, write down one of these verses or any others that relate to your struggles. Your heart cries and His sure answers are a powerful combination.

Build on the success you have today. I assure you, dear friend, our cravings and distractions are not meant to overwhelm us. They are meant to show our ability to crave what we need the most — a soul that is no longer tangled, distracted, and hindered, because we have set apart in our hearts the lordship and love of Christ.

Dear Lord, I want to set You apart as my Lord and Savior today. Keep me from falling away. Draw me close. In Jesus’ name. Amen.