Distractions? Or Opportunities?

MEH. That’s urban slang for indifference or lack of enthusiasm; to be used when one doesn’t seem to care. Sometimes life is “meh,” when circumstances and distractions are invading every part of your life. And the distractions are becoming more difficult to deal with because my guardrails no longer fend them off. The distractions can be family troubles, difficulties at work, economic misfortunes, health problems, etc. Suddenly I feel like a dog chasing its tail. It is so meh because my joy just left left town with my normal life.

Of course, I know that as a Christian, my life should not be meh. I know that we have been given new life in Him and that my life is part of a bigger picture, a grander story, the beautiful story of redemption, love, and eternal glory. I guess I am just in the sad distracted chapter of my story right now.

Life can be challenging, and if we are not careful, it can rob us of our joy. So think about and answer this one question: What is your barrier, your distraction to joy? Many people answer that question with two words, “if only…” If only I had more time, if only I made a little more money, or I made that big sale, or the kids behaved a little better, or my son got that college scholarship, or my wife stopped making her meat loaf.

When we remain in the world of “if only,” hanging on to a self-proclaimed barrier to joy, we fool ourselves into thinking joy depends on our circumstances. The Bible is clear that it does not. Our joy is simply to be found and completed in the knowledge of God’s grace and our salvation as John 15:11 tells us: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

The only barrier to joy, therefore, is believing there is one. Those barriers or distractions are opportunities, not obstacles. Although distractions can be difficult, we can find joy if we trust in God and His plan.

The secret to finding joy in “any and every situation” is found in anchoring our hopes in something that is so large and unshakeable that it towers over every miserable situation or experience in this life.

If you are a believer, there have been times you see God’s hand in a situation and you are like, “Wow, God did that!” And you feel joy. Or looking up at the stars or at creation and you suddenly feel so small compared to God who created everything. That too is joy. Or if are singing a worship song and you sense God’s presence and His tender love and compassion for you and your heart begins to be full of praise. That is joy too. We need to remember that the bumps in the road, the distractions, the trials and the distractions are from God and for His purpose. That too, should give us joy.

Discussion Questions:
1. What are some of the places you have looked for joy?
2. Which distractions need to change to have joy in your life?
3. Is joy essential to bearing’s life’s circumstances?
4. Is anything currently hindering you in your relationship your God? What are some of the things that divide your affection for God?
5. When do distractions turn into opportunities?