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“Search me, O God, and know my heart:
Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful was
in me, And lead me in the everlasting
way.” (Psalm 139:23-24).
Hey Gang: Have you ever found yourself
on the landing between the basement and first floor of your home and you not
only can’t remember what you were about to do, but also you cannot remember
if you were going up or going down?
I read, recently, about two ministers who
said they had a problem with their mind wandering while reading God’s word
and in prayer. As I pondered this conversation, I readily agreed
with what they were saying.
I, too, have problems with a wondering mind,
not only when reading the Word but also when in prayer. I have no
problem with concentration when reading sports magazines, or what is
happening in the world of prophecy; nor do I normally have problems when
talking with others.
So, the question: Why, when we read the most
precious Book of all, or speak to the Giver of all good gifts, does our mind
wander? I am quick to blame such lapses on Satan and his dart machine,
but I sense God would not totally agree with that. True, Satan hates to
see us in the Word and in prayer to the Father but sometimes I believe we
give him far too much credit for our own short comings.
I have come to the conclusion that until I
have a hunger and thirst for the Lord- that supersedes all other things- my
mind will wonder. I believe when we are inspired to praise God and feel the
deep need for forgiveness for our transgressions and when we are eager to
request His blessings on our life, then, the Holy Spirit will keep our
thoughts focused.
(From Gramma – and a paragraph from January
Jewish Jewels, a Messianic Newsletter we get monthly:)
“Pray with ‘Kavanah’ is the Hebrew
word for focus, direction and intent. This means to pray with zeal, to
passionately desire to know God and hear from Him. This attitude includes
reverence for God and a shift of focus from self toward God. It includes concentration,
lack of distraction and having a sense of standing in the presence of
God. May we give God our best efforts in prayer at ALL times.”
Here is some food for you to ponder as your
drive down the roadways today, if you too are plagued with a wondering mind
at the wrong times: When your team pulls the upset of the year in some
sporting event are you not quick to read everything that is written about
that victory and listen to every word spoken in praise of the victory?
Why? Because you are filled with excitement and want to relish
the victory as long as you can.
Soooooo, could it be when our mind wonders
when we are reading the Word or praying it is a sign we are not excited about
His Word or talking to Him personally.
Blessings
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