While watching fireworks during the 4th of July celebration in Malibu, there came a rapid fire of explosions from fireworks being shot off by some residents a mile or so to the right of where we were sitting. Although not nearly as spectacular as the huge display hundreds were gathered to witness, it did distract everyone’s attention due to the machine gun like pace at which they were set off.
This is the exact way the enemy attempts to distract us from enjoying and being thankful for what God has done, is doing and going to do in our lives. Negative thoughts that hit abruptly, and with the same rapidity of the residential fireworks, are aimed to distract us from the “main show.” If we are not quick to redirect our attention where it needs to be we will miss much of what God has for us.
Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9
Don’t waste time and allow the enemy to steal your peace by his mental assaults. He makes a lot of noise sometimes but it is just that – noise. The renegade fireworks ended as quick as they started but the main show kept pace and long outlasted the forgotten distraction.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. -Hebrews 12:2-3
