WATCH LIVE
EVENTS
NORTHSTAR
GIVE
“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2.
In every age, humanity has wrestled with distraction. But perhaps never before has the battle been so fierce. Our days are filled with pings, posts, and endless streams of noise clamoring for our attention. The problem isn’t just that we’re distracted—it’s that we often welcome distraction as an escape. When life feels uncertain, when we fear silence, or when obedience seems too hard, we turn to the quick comfort of screens, entertainment, or busyness. Yet beneath the constant motion lies a quiet ache: the longing for peace and purpose that only God can fill.
In Luke 10:38–42, we see a familiar story—Martha bustling around, distracted by preparations, while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, listening. Martha isn’t doing anything wrong. She’s serving. But Jesus gently reminds her, “you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about.” In that moment, Jesus is addressing her anxious busyness over household tasks, highlighting that true necessity lies in a deeper spiritual connection and prioritizing His presence and teachings, as exemplified by her sister Mary.
Escapism takes many forms. For some, it’s the scroll through social media. For others, it’s the pursuit of achievement, entertainment, or endless planning. Psalm 46:10 invites us, “Be still, and know that I am God…” Stillness is not inactivity—it’s intentional presence. It’s choosing to sit at His feet rather than flee to our screens. It’s the practice of renewing rest in God’s presence. Escapism fades when our hearts find something greater to run toward. Worship replaces wandering. Prayer replaces pretense. Silence becomes sanctuary, not threat. When we give God our undivided attention—even for a few sacred moments—He reshapes our priorities and replenishes us.
The best way to ensure that God always has our full, undivided attention is by staying connected with and focused on Him throughout the day. With all our distractions, staying connected to Christ takes intentionality and commitment.
To stay connected, we need to have time with God every day. With our busy schedules, it becomes necessary to dedicate time each day to sit down, rid yourself of distractions, and be with the Lord. While quiet time is a good thing, prayer is also important. Corrie Ten Boom said, “Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden.”
God deserves that when we spend time with Him, we shut everything else out and focus entirely on Him. The living God doesn’t want just some of us when we spend time with Him; He wants all of us. Just like we need full attention in a heart-to-heart conversation, God wants the same from us.
Discussion Questions:
- What distractions or escapes most easily pull you away from God’s presence?
- How might you create moments of silence or solitude this week to listen for His voice?
- What would it look like to replace one habit of escapism with a moment of prayer or gratitude?