Are You Preoccupied?

GETTING STARTED

Although it is tough to admit, there have been times when I’ve struggled to be in God’s Word. I might open the Bible multiple times, but then I find myself distracted and preoccupied with a number of things coming up during the week. I can very easily get distracted and misguided, but without that time with God, I find myself uncertain of the mission he has for me, and of how best to spend my time and energies.

  • How do you know if you are pursuing God’s mission or your own plans in your life?

READ THE WORD: ACTS 18:5-8 (ESV)

5 When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. 6 And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” 7 And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue. 8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. Take a moment to reread verse 5. What stands out to you in this verse?
  2. What do you believe it means when it says Paul was “occupied” with God and his word?
  3. Occupied in this context may be defined as “completely focused,” “to dwell,” or “to entrench in.” How do you think your day would be different if you were “occupied” in your relationship with Christ today?
  4. What steps can you take today to move from a preoccupied mindset to an occupied heart? How might this help you pursue God’s mission for your life?

RESPOND TO GOD

After adhering to Jewish Law and teaching about Jesus in the synagogues for years, Paul was opposed and reviled by the Jews. Quoting Ezekiel 33:1-3, Paul reiterated his intent to turn from teaching the Jews to teaching the Gentiles (Acts 13:46-51). This was not an impulsive decision for Paul. He made this decision as an overflow of an active and rich walk with Christ. Our relationship with the Lord and our discernment of the work he has for us to do begins with the Word and starts an interaction with him that should carry throughout our day.

  • Ask God to occupy your thoughts numerous times throughout your day today. Ask him to replace distraction with focus as you go about your day with him.