Day 2, Distraction Tactics

It was bizarre. My feet took me restlessly to the pantry. I saw all the food I shouldn’t eat and settled for a moderately healthy bowl of popcorn. I ate it. I sadly stared at the empty vessel and wished the contents had been endless. Then my eyes drifted back to my computer and the accounting that needed to get done. 

To be honest, I was throwing a very sophisticated, adult-like tantrum. My thoughts were, “I don’t want to do this. I want to do something fun. I just want this to be over…” So, I grabbed the popcorn, hoping the crunchy pieces would take the edge off and appease the frustration. However, as soon as the last bite moved down my throat, the frustration moved back in. 

I went to God, and asked Him to help me with my fear. Fear that I was missing out on the fun of life or that I would not complete the task well. He calmed my anxious thoughts. He reminded me that He has given me good things and that the work I do for my family is blessed and vital. As I obediently did His will, He would provide for me. God offers peace and strength that never runs out. We never get to the end of that “bowl”, wishing the contents had filled us and healed us.

Fueled with God’s promises, I buckled down to work. I used the “Sprint Method” that I learned while writing. I set a timer on my phone for a few minutes and challenged myself to get started and get as much done as possible in those few minutes. Then, the ball is rolling and my apprehension for the task melts away. 

“But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” John 4:14, NLT

Journal Prompt: What are you trying to distract yourself from today? How can you trust God to meet you in your need? 

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