A distraction is defined in the dictionary as a thing that can prevent someone from giving full attention to something else more important. It seems these days that people are consumed more with fame and fortune, personality and popularity, doom and gloom, death and destruction, hostility and violence, lies and politics, the lure of what is lit up on their phone screen than they are about what God has said and is doing in the moment. The busyness of surviving the rhetoric is taking away the Joy of the Lord from more people than we realize and I see it more than I would like in myself. I know that there are times that I get so distracted from what I am supposed to do in the moment, that I don’t have a joyful and willing spirit to serve God, and at times, even forget about the magnitude of my salvation. In recent times I have cried out to God as I read verses like what is written in *Psalms 51:12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit.* and want to make it my personal prayer, my life’s goal, my heartfelt purpose. When my eyes remain fixed on Christ, the clamor of this world begins to lose its grip on my heart and more importantly my mind. The more I surrender my attention to Him, the more I discover that His peace is greater than every fear and obstacle competing for my thoughts. Every moment spent in His presence reminds me that eternity is far more valuable than temporary worldly pursuits. His faithfulness calls me back again and again, not with condemnation, but with mercy and unfailing love I so desperately need. A definition for the joy of the Lord is, “the gladness of heart that comes from knowing God”. I often question myself as to whether or not I have given my journey of faith my full attention due to my lack of continual joy? Does God really have my full attention or has the noise of the world distracted me from the truth of His promises and hearing His voice? I am confident that God has never stopped speaking; it is often the distractions around me are so loud that it keeps me from hearing Him. I have come to see how Satan uses distractions to pull people away from God’s plan and His promises that He has, often offering short-term pleasure with long-term consequences. To combat this, I encourage believers to immerse themselves in God’s Word, have fellowship with like-minded Christians, and beware to guard their hearts against the tactics of the enemy through prayer. There are many prayers throughout the Scriptures that are simple, and if we focus on what God has said, He will give us what we need, and restore to us the joy of our salvation. It is difficult for me to choose each day to seek His presence above every distraction that competes for my attention. My hope is that I can encourage others to remain steadfast, knowing that none of us walks this journey alone. As we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, He will strengthen our hearts, renew our minds, and equip us to faithfully fulfill His purpose for our lives. Together, as brothers and sisters in Christ, may we abound in hope, stand firm in faith, and reflect His joy to a world desperately searching for lasting peace. Brethren, today, may all who read these words receive this blessing written in *Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.* In Jesus’ precious and powerful name, and all of God’s children say, Amen.

My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*

To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.