If there’s one thing I’ve noticed about our generation—it’s that we are all constantly distracted.
Our lives are full of obligations, activities, and never-ending content that compete for our attention constantly. Most of us wake up and instantly check our phones. We scroll, swipe, reply, and binge our way through the day without realizing how much time is slipping through our fingers.
And it’s not just our phones. It’s the sports we play, the relationships we pour ourselves into, the goals we chase, the responsibilities we juggle. None of these things are bad on their own—but when they start pulling our attention away from our relationship with God, they become a problem.
The word “devote” literally means to give a large portion of your time or energy to something. And the truth is, we are devoting ourselves to a lot of things. The question is: are we devoting ourselves to the right thing?
I get it—I’m easily distracted too. I’ve been called an “iPad kid” more times than I’d like to admit. I can’t cook a meal without something playing in the background. YouTube, music, shows, podcasts—you name it. I’ll start watching a simple video and 20 minutes later I’m deep into some random guy rebuilding a cabin in the woods. It’s a silly habit I’ve formed, and it’s not helping me stay present or connected to God.
So here’s another big question: Are you so distracted that your relationship with God is slipping into the background?
If the answer is yes, don’t feel discouraged—just know it’s time to make a shift. And if you feel like you’re doing pretty well, take a second to zoom out and ask yourself what you’re truly devoting your energy to. Even good things can quietly take God’s place in your life. Thankfully, we’re not left to figure out how to change this on our own. Jesus, the perfect example of how to live a life focused on God, modeled a powerful habit that helped Him stay grounded. In Matthew 6:6, Jesus says,
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” - Matthew 6:6
That one verse has so much to say. “Go into your room and close the door” tells us to get alone and remove distractions. Find a quiet space where you can truly be present and connect with God—no phone, no background noise, no to-do list. For most of us, that’s something we rarely (if ever) do. Prayer for us is often quick, surface-level, and rushed. But Jesus is inviting us to go deeper. This also reminds us that we have personal access to God—the Creator of the universe. The same God who we read about in scripture. The one who keeps breath in our lungs.
Jesus uses the word “Father.” That’s not some distant, disconnected God. That’s close. That’s intimate.
As a dad myself, there’s nothing better than when my son wants to just be with me. Not because he wants something—just because he loves me and he knows I love him. That’s how God feels when we come to Him.
So what’s keeping you from that? Maybe it’s your screen. Maybe it’s your schedule. Maybe it’s fear or apathy or just not knowing where to start. But I promise you this— when you make space for God, He meets you there. Choose a place and a time in your day to meet with God. We are masters at scheduling everything else—why not schedule time with the One who matters most? Jesus wraps up that verse by saying, “Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” That’s huge. It means the most important part of your life isn’t the stuff people see—it’s the time you spend with God when no one else is watching.
It’s not about how hard you worship at church or how many Bible studies you attend. It’s about the quiet moments. The secret place. That’s where your relationship with God grows roots.
So take a minute today to ask yourself: what’s been distracting you? What’s getting the best of your energy and focus? And are you willing to start giving that back to God?
He’s not asking you to be perfect. He’s asking you to draw near to him. And He’s already waiting.
