Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. — Colossians 4:2 NIV

It’s easy to get so caught up in the physical challenges of our days that we forget the very real spiritual battle that rages on around us. We have an enemy who would love to keep us so distracted and busy that we forget to focus on what really matters: our relationship with our Father. Jesus knew this and he purposely pulled away, not only from the crowds, but even from his friends, to be able to be alone with his Father. He obviously craved that time to restore himself.

Of course, not all of us are refreshed by being alone the way Jesus was. Each of us has a unique, God-given personality that affects how easily we’re distracted and by what, what helps us refocus and what doesn’t.What matters is finding a place where you know you can block out other distractions and enjoy being with the Father, who longs to spend time with you.

Even more important is making the commitment to fight our human tendency toward distraction. Sometimes I will take a notebook and write down twenty things that I love about being God’s daughter.

I can only imagine that our specific declarations of love to God are precious to him.

— Sheila Walsh Excerpted from A Grand New Day © 2008 by Thomas Nelson