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Dealing with a Distracted Mind

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. ROMANS 8:5-10 NIV

What have you been setting your mind on?

We are becoming whatever has our attention

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. ROMANS 8:5 NIV

Distraction is our drug of choice.

This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” MATTHEW 6:9-10 NIV

We set our minds on God, because his mind is set on us

Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. ROMANS 8:8-9 NIV

But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. ROMANS 8:10 NIV

How do I set my mind on the things of the Spirit?

Practice stillness before God

Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. PSALM 16:5-8 NIV

Prayer is a way of attending to God while he attends to us.

Practice saying no by God’s Spirit

Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God ROMANS 8:12-14 NIV

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a place where you can be alone with God and free of distractions. (Consider putting your phone on Do Not Disturb for this exercise.) Begin by simply breathing slowly, in and out: as you exhale, release your distractions to God. As you inhale, ask God to fill you with his spirit of peace and stillness. When you feel ready, focus on Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.” Repeat that verse several times, allowing God to speak to you where you most need it. Is it stillness you need? Do you need to be reminded that God is in control? As distractions vie for your attention, release them once again to God, and refocus on the psalm. Carry this practice with you throughout your week; practicing stillness before God. As you practice this, ask him to fill you with his peace. Close your time by thanking him for his faithfulness to you, and for being bigger than your distractions.

Discussion Questions

  1. What have you been learning about yourself, God or others in your personal Bible reading time? What stood out to you this week?
  2. Distraction seems to be a natural byproduct of modern life. What distractions annoy you the most? Which ones do you like to be distracted by and why?
  3. Read Romans 8:5. When your mind wanders, what types of things does it most often wander to? Do you think these things are more from your sinful nature or from the Holy Spirit? Why do you say this?
  4. Read Romans 8:8-10. In what practical ways does knowing that the Holy Spirit lives in you give you the courage to live like Jesus?
  5. Read Psalm 46:10. If stillness is a regular part of your life, what are some of your best practices to quiet your mind and focus on God? If it is not, what are some of the practical things you can do to make it a regular part of your life?
  6. Read Romans 8:12-14. What specific things from your sinful nature do you need to say “no” to in your thoughts and actions? What can we do to help?