Do you ever feel like your day is constantly being pulled in different directions? You’re trying to complete a task and then another thing pops up that needs attention. It’s really easy to be overwhelmed with the many physical, mental, and spiritual distractions that keep you from fully walking in your purpose authentically.
If this feeling of overwhelm and exhaustion resonates with you, you are not alone.
I know that as a mom, you have to juggle so many responsibilities and it can feel like you’re drowning in the day-to-day tasks of running your household. But there is hope!
The Bible has words that will speak life into your soul and give you strength for today’s challenges. This post shares 29 scriptures on focus that will help you overcome everyday distractions, even as a mother.
I pray these Scriptures help you stay focused on what matters most this week!
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The importance of focus
So why is it important to be focused? Most busy moms know that focus is key to being able to manage the millions of mental and physical tasks that come along with simply being a mom. But is there a deeper need to understand the importance of focus?
Well, if we take it a step further and really get to the heart of what distractions do, we can see that there is great importance to staying focused.
Our focus is directly tied to our continued work in purpose and calling. Regardless of what you were created to be, consistent focus is required for you to work well. And that focus is on God, on his voice, and in line with his will!
Why are we easily distracted?
Distraction has been a battle we have been facing since the beginning of creation. From the tasting of the fruit in the garden we have been consistently distracted from the instructions that the Lord has given us.
We get distracted because of fear of missing out, lustful desires, un-repented sin, guilt, insecurity and a host of other deeply personal reasons.
The most important thing to understand here, however, is that these distractions are all pointing to one significant lie that we are believing, and that is the lie that we know best. This lie tells us that we can work harder, do more, and strive greater to earn the favor of the Lord or worse, that we don’t need the favor of the Lord.
So how do we relate this in practical terms, well who you are and what you are doing in motherhood is purpose. When we get distracted by common distractions such as comparison, guilt, insecurity, and sin, it becomes easy to try recreate your story based on what you see and not based on what God says.
This could look like taking on more than you were called to take on, changing who God created you to be to match what you believe is societally acceptable, or working outside of Gods will and into the consequences of burnout, stress, and exhaustion, when God called you to a rhythm of work and rest.
What does the bible say about focus?
So what does the bible say specifically about distractions, focus, and discipline. I first want us to understand that all of these are related when it comes to understanding God’s intention for overcoming distractions.
We will be going over Scriptures about finding joy and contentment, overcoming distractions, finding strength through trials, and more! These Bible verses provide hope for those days when it feels like everything is out of control.
Best Scriptures on Focus
So what does the bible say specifically about distractions, focus, and discipline? God’s word is full of examples of what good focus looks like and the consequences of a misplaced focus. On the grand scale this is to remind us that the earthly things of our day to day life quickly fade away, but our Lord God is eternal!
Before we dig into these powerful verses I want to encourage you to open your heart and mind and subject yourselves to the word! Distractions, focus and discipline all relate to how we respond to God as well as how we walk out the purposes he has for us! The enemy is after our attention, because if he can get our eyes off of God, he can push us off course! I hope these scripture verses provide hope for those days when it feels like everything is out of control.
1 Corinthians 7:35
I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.
This scripture on focus encourages us to get rid of the things that may distract us from what God has called us to do. In order to serve the lord we should seek to simplify the voices we are listening to and the things we are attaching ourselves to so that the voice of the Lord is the voice most clear to us.
Mark 4:18-19
Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.
This verse is an explanation of the parable of the seeds, and so many of us at one point or another fall into this category. Many of the things that distract us are the worries of this world, the cares that the world seeks to put on us, and the desires of the world.
When our focus is on what is here on earth, it is easy to be distracted away from the things of God, and on doing the work that he has placed in front of you.
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
This bible verse about distractions reminds us that the consequence of consistent distractions is to be conformed. In this verse we are called to a different way of living, one that is transformed by the word of the Lord, not conformed to the distractions of this world.
Colossians 3:1-2
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
When we think about focus, this verse reminds us of the whole purpose of focus. We may want to focus better and be thinking only of the simple tasks on hand, but at the end of the day, focus is relative and we should be focusing on things that help bring Glory to God and grow us closer to the day when we will see the Lord face to face.
Isaiah 45:22
Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other.
This scripture on focus states the only truth that is steadfast, and that is the Lord, or God is the one true God, and his son, Jesus is the only way to salvation. That is really the point of everything!
Matthew 6:33
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Again, this bible verse on focusing on God reminds us that our focus should first and foremost be on the kingdom of God, and he will take care of every other care and concern!
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Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
This scripture on focus gives us insight on how we should remained focused on what is important, and that is to think on true, honorable, pure things. when we dwell on these thoughts, our distractions hold less weight and it is easier to overcome them.
Psalm 111:10
Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!
Knowing the difference between the need for rest and the problem of distraction comes from wisdom, and wisdom is found all throughout the word of God! We must continually be in his word to help us
Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
Philippians 3:20
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
This last scripture on focus and discipline reminds us of our hope. It encourages us in the fact that what is going on in this present time does not matter if our focus is not on what is to come.
The stresses and the busyness that defines modern existence is just a wisp of time compared to that time we will spend in eternity. So when you feel that distractions are at an all time high, remember what they are distracting you from and press forward.
Matthew 6:34
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Being a human being is hard. There are so many things we face as part of this human experience. it is easy to get wrapped up in the things of the flesh and become anxious, which in itself is a distraction.
Acts 6:4
But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
We are called to be faithful servants, and that can be as simple as maintaining a consistent and effective prayer life as well as being available to the Lord. When our focus remains on him, our yes to him is sooo easy!
Psalm 86:11
Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.
Philippians 3:13
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
2 Corinthians 4:18
as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 10:5
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,
Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
This verse is a good reminder that our main focus and priority should be on God! When we focus on him, the spirit of the Lord rests upon us and we are able to overcome life’s difficulties that are sent to distract us.
Proverbs 4:25
Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.
Proverbs 4:27
Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.
Psalm 145:5
On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
Isaiah 26:3
“The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace,
Because he trusts in You.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
1 Timothy 4:16
Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Psalm 16:8
I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Psalm 119:37,43
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways….And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your rules.
When we lean on our own understanding of the things going on around us it is easy for us to be overwhelmed with fear that hinders our ability to walk in purpose!
Psalm 141:8
But my eyes are toward you, O GOD, my Lord; in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless!
Also Read: 14 Simple Rhythms and Routines to See God in Everything We Do
Proverbs 17:24
The discerning sets his face toward wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Isaiah 43:18
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.
Tips for overcoming everyday distractions
So how do we practically overcome everyday distractions that are a consistent part of our day to day life? Well, there are a few tips and life hacks that we can do in order to make sure that our focus is steadfast and easily reconnected to what is important.
Pray early
Praying first thing in the morning is a great way to start your day off right and makes it possible to overcome the distractions that come after you wake up. You can prepare for what may come and ask God for guidance.
Journaling throughout the day
Journaling about and through just a few scriptures on focus and things that inspire you can really help keep your head in the game and focused on what is important, no matter how small those tasks may be!
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Pray often
Additionally you can make prayer a lifestyle throughout your day. When you feel the distractions coming, and when the busyness seems to mount, say a simple prayer of help and focus, and watch Gods hand move actively in the big and small things in life
Know who God says you are
Sometimes the distractions can come in the form of insecurities, guilt, and comparison. This can halt you from taking steps forward or moving through your day productively. When this happens, having some I Am affirmations based in biblical truths can help you overcome these spiritual distractions and keep pressing forward through your day
Ask for forgiveness
When sin is the distraction that keeps you from walking in your God given purpose, repent. Ask God not only for forgiveness but also wisdom to walk in a new path. Ask that he open your eyes to the things in your life that are still attached to the sin and prune those things from you.
Be content
Discontentment can cause us to see the blessings that God has bestowed upon us as not enough. This can cause us to feel jealousy and envy for others which can act as a distraction to the race that the Lord has you running. When we work on being content we can overcome and avoid this distraction
Be intentional about quiet time
Another hack for making sure that distractions do not overtake you is to be very intentional about spending quiet time with the Lord and in His word. The most unmistakable way to hear his voice and thus understand when distractions are prevalent in your life is to write his word on your heart, and in order to do that you must spend time listening to his voice.
His written word is one of the best ways to really tune your heart to hear him clearly.
Learn more about distractions
As women, we have so much responsibility on our shoulders that at times it can feel overwhelming and almost impossible to manage. But with the 29 scriptures shared on this blog post, you can easily find strength, remove distractions, and most importantly – stay focused.
To help support this journey, I am consistently creating resources like this blog post to equip you with the necessary tools you need to stay motivated and connect with God’s Word. Keep striving for excellence in all that you do and be sure to make prayer a daily practice no matter how busy life gets. Trust me when I say, God gives grace to the humble and will reward those who diligently seek Him. Have a blessed week!
This is just so amazing
Thanks for the wonderful word!