Disabled Distractions

December 31, 2023

Cancelled Noise


Coming to the end of a calendar year allows for a reset with a review of the past year in consideration of what is to come. How did those resolutions, goals, and visions from last year turn out and how might there be adjustments made to affect any desired progress? Often those things that were thought to be a good idea are completely forgotten as the events of life distract from their vision and any hope of actually accomplishing them. Especially if they were only given mental ascent with no physical plan or schedule, the need or desire to focus on other things makes it difficult to even remember them. The only way to really keep track of the things that will remain through the noise is to give them an anchor that will not give way to the distractions and retain a connection to that anchor. Writing them down, assigning them a schedule, and then becoming accountable for being faithful to them makes it possible to keep them in focus even through the loudest diversions.

In establishing His plans and purposes God ensured that they would remain through the great distractions of life through the ages. Everything of importance and expectation was not allowed to go without being written down. Of all the words that were spoken through the prophets and even Jesus Himself, only those that were written could be remembered and acted upon as life was dealt endless diversions. When circumstances and events might make it appear that there could be another outcome, it has always been possible to return to what was written for the decision-making and scheduling of actions to be taken. Those things that were written have been an anchor of hope for His way and His plan no matter how clouded and veiled natural vision gets by life. How important it is in this time of resetting that what He’s written gets inscribed by us in a way that it will be kept prominent and effective no matter the distraction.


Notes


What is certain to change? – Circumstances/surroundings


Distractions:

  • Storms
  • Rejection
  • Windfalls
  • Opposition
  • Affliction
  • Loss

What will not change?

Isaiah 40:8 (NKJV) 8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever."


2 Corinthians 11:3 But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.


There is a specific time when the vision will be required in writing.

Habakkuk 2:2-3 (HCSB) 2 The LORD answered me: Write down this vision; clearly inscribe it on tablets so one may easily read it. 3 For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it testifies about the end and will not lie. Though it delays, wait for it, since it will certainly come and not be late.


2 Corinthians 11:3 But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.


What is written now in His presence secures the future with purpose.

Isaiah 30:8 (HCSB) 8 Go now, write it on a tablet in their presence and inscribe it on a scroll; it will be for the future, forever and ever.


How to get “it” – from where will “it” come?

  • Moments free from distractions/before they show up.
  • Intentional exposure to what is already written.
  • Reception of personal direction/revelation from moments at His throne/in His face.

It’s those moments of distraction to come that written instructions will affect.

Deuteronomy 5:32-33 (HCSB) 32 "Be careful to do as the LORD your God has commanded you; you are not to turn aside to the right or the left. 33 Follow the whole instruction the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live, prosper, and have a long life in the land you will possess.


Remaining victorious comes from what is faithful and true.

Revelation 21:5-8 (HCSB) 5 Then the One seated on the throne said, “Look! I am making everything new.” He also said, "Write, because these words are faithful and true." 6 And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give water as a gift to the thirsty from the spring of life. 7 The victor will inherit these things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son. 8 But the cowards, unbelievers, vile, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars—their share will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”


1 Corinthians 7:35 I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.


How to be of good cheer – have peace in what has been secured in His presence.

John 16:33 (NKJV) 33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."