Eugene Marillier

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Drawing Near to God in a Distracted World

It’s amazing how often we forget the subtle ways the enemy tries to keep us from seeing ourselves in a positive light.  But maybe we don’t always recognize the tactics the enemy uses.  At times, when I set out to pray, distractions flood in.  Suddenly, I feel tired, sleepy, or overwhelmed.  Moments arise when social media, a TV show, or some other distraction captures my attention just as I try to commune with God.  I’m sure I’m not the only one this happens to.  The enemy works subtly—through temptation, guilt, and self-doubt—and if we’re not careful, we slip further away from God’s presence and closer to the chaos the devil creates.

Thoughts like I’m too fat, I’m not pretty enough, I’m too old, or I’m trying so hard, but nothing is changing creep in almost unnoticed.  Or, I’m praying, but doors are still closed, I always try to do the right thing, but nothing seems to change.  If we’re not careful, these thoughts become part of our daily thinking, leading us down a path of defeat without us even realizing it.  We often fail to see the downward spiral until we are already far along, reason being; we unknowingly absorb and accept these subtle messages.

These are not just harmless doubts; they are attacks meant to draw us further away from the truth of who we are in God.  The more negatively we view ourselves, the more distant we become from our relationship with Him.  We spiral down the Consciousness Map, and before long, we may find ourselves wondering: Can God truly still love us if we doubt and even hate ourselves?  

We’ve all been there, trying to eat right, trying to exercise, and suddenly finding ourselves pulled off track.  We become despondent and revert to old habits because we think, I’m not good enough.  Who am I trying to fool?  This is who I am, and this will always be me.  We rationalize our small failures, which then spiral into deeper despair.  It might start with reverting to that unhealthy meal, skipping a workout, succumbing to gossip, or engaging in negative self-talk.  We might give in to judgment, selfish traits, impatience, or ignore that small, positive voice within.  It’s easy to clump up with negative friends because misery loves company.

Guilt follows.  It pulls us even further from God, and the enemy wants us to remain in that negative space, spiraling deeper into self-hatred and shame.  It’s a vicious cycle, and before we know it, we’re far from the person God has called us to be.  We find ourselves way down the Consciousness Map, sometimes without even realizing it.  Blame sets in—we blame our parents, circumstances, or environment.  But by shifting responsibility, we fail to take accountability.  True growth begins when we take responsibility for our shortcomings.  As the AA Declaration suggests, it all starts within.

While the enemy may be relentless, we have the power to fight back.  It’s not easy—it takes constant awareness.  Luke 10:19 reminds us that we have authority over all the power of the enemy.  I find this to be one of the most inspiring scriptures in the Bible.  God has given us the authority to “trample” the devil and his demons.  Isaiah 41:10 further reassures us: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.”  The key is to call on the Holy Spirit to help us and to be present in our lives at all times.  We need to constantly invite God’s presence, and as 1 Thessalonians 5:17 reminds us, we should “pray without ceasing.”  When we feel overwhelmed, tempted, or lost, we need to ask for strength, guidance, self-love, and spiritual growth.  Let us remind God of His promises and His unfailing love for us.  Let us turn to the Bible, quoting its wisdom as we commune with Source.

The closer we draw to God, the more we can silence those negative voices and elevate ourselves on the Consciousness Map.  Let us remember that our purpose on this earth is far greater than the temporary distractions that pull us away from God.  We were made to enrich mankind and fulfill a purpose that only we, as individuals, can accomplish.

It’s a work in progress.  Everyone is a work in progress—something we must remain mindful of daily.  When we invite the Holy Spirit into every moment, we find the strength to push past distractions, doubt, guilt, and self-loathing.  We gain the courage to become better versions of ourselves, to shine, and to vibrate at a higher frequency.  By walking boldly in the purpose God created us for, we put the enemy to shame.

Let’s keep drawing closer to God, holding tight to our purpose, and reminding ourselves that we are loved, we are chosen, and we have the power to overcome. Matthew 7:7-8 says, “Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks receives. The one who seeks finds. And to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Many Blessings.

Eugene

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