Devotions for the Distracted HeartSample

Day 1 - The Distraction of Denver

On my first trip west, I was mesmerized as the Rocky Mountains slowly came into view as white ghosts of snow-capped summits and took my breath away. For the first time, I was witnessing what must have inspired the lyrics “purple mountain majesty” and “the mountains declare the glory of God.”  

Once I reached the city of Denver, the sights quickly consumed my focus: the new baseball stadium, quaint café squares with statues and fountains, remodeled antique storefronts contrasted with modern architecture. I loved the sights of the city but they completely distracted me from the splendor of the mountains. 

Then it struck me. How much is this like my daily life? I often spend devotional time in the morning when I lift my eyes vertically to the Lord and am refreshed with His power and glory. But when I leave my devotional time and jump into my day, I become consumed with the horizontal demands close at hand.  

Like the mountains that surround the western side of Denver, God is an ever-present offering of strength and renewal, but it is easy to lose sight of Him when we are consumed with our daily routine. We are called daily to lift our eyes, vertically, to the hills. This is where our help comes from.  

“I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come?

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121: 1-2).  

When we keep our eyes on the Lord throughout the day, He endows us with strength and empowers us to reach out horizontally to others.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, 

How majestic is your name in all the earth! As I seek to serve you, help me to focus on the glory of your perspective that will strengthen and guide me in my daily demands. 

Amen

Discussion and Journaling Question:

Where will you direct your focus today?