We all live busy lives with constant distractions like balancing family and job responsibilities, phone calls, emails, texting, etc Media of every type floods us with messages demanding instant response. How can we stay focused on our goals when multiple things compete for our time? God gave David a goal of participating with Him in building spiritual descendants, but the distractions of the Philistines, Moabites, Hadadezer and Arameans blocked him from this kingdom goal illustrated in the life of Jonathan’s son, Mephiboseth (2 Sam. 7-9).
Overcome Daily Distractions in Your Outer and Inner Worlds
David took control of the Philistine chief city by subduing them. He made Moabites his servants by having them lay on the ground, measuring two lines to put to death and one line to keep alive. David defeated Hadadezer of Zobah and restored his rule at the Euphrates River. He captured 1,700 horsemen, 20,000 soldiers, hamstrung chariot horses except enough for 100 chariots and killed 22,000 Arameans. David put garrisons among the Arameans of Damascus who became his servants. The Lord helped David wherever he went. He took shields of gold carried by Hadadezer’s servants and brought them to Jerusalem (2 Sam. 8:1-8). The Lord helps you overcome daily distractions in your outer world.
Toi, king of Haamth, who battled Hadadezer, brought articles of silver, gold and bronze. David dedicated all he received to the Lord (2 Sam. 8:9-12). God helps you overcome financial bondage to pursue His kingdom purposes.
David made a name for himself by killing 18,000 Arameans and the Edomites served him when he put them in garrisons. The Lord helped David wherever he went (2 Sam. 8:13-14). The Lord helps and exalts you to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
He reigned over Israel and administered justice and righteousness for all his people. Joab was over the army, Jehoshaphat was recorder, Zadok and Ahimelech were priests, Seraiah was secretary, Benaiah was over the Cherethites and Pelethites and David’s sons were chief ministers (2 Sam. 8:15-18). Participate in team ministry to maintain victory in your outer and inner worlds.
Bear Fruit of Spiritual Descendants By Ministering to Poor and Disenfranchised
David asked if Saul’s house had any descendants so he could show kindness for Jonathan’s sake. David told Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s crippled son, not to fear since he would restore all his grandfather Saul’s land, and allow him to eat his table regularly. Mephibosheth was overwhelmed by David’s kindness to “regard a dead dog” like him (2 Sam. 9:1-8). Show kindness and righteousness by eating and developing relationships with the poor and disenfranchised.
David gave all that belonged to Saul and his house to Mephibosheth who ate at his table as one of the king’s sons. All who lived in Ziba’s house were servants to Mephibosheth (2 Sam. 9:9-13). Empower the poor and disenfranchised so they can be self-sufficient and earn self-respect.
The following steps help you stay focused on kingdom goals in the midst of distractions:
1. Well defined goals: When distracted, review your goals to be reminded of what you are trying to do and why
2. Break things into bite-sized chunks: Actionable plan to identify how you can get from where you are to where you want to go
3. Prioritize constantly: Work on urgent tasks to get things done on time followed by those with greatest impact to maximize benefits you receive
4. Track progress vigorously: Give visibility to what has been done and gauge how much effort is left to sustain commitment
5. Plan ahead without fail: Look at your goals and task lists periodically to assess how much time it’ll take to do something and determine the best time to sit down and work on it
6. Reward yourself when warranted: Reflect on what you have done to maintain motivation
7. Have positive patterns in your routine: Helps you get more done and better judge periods of the day when you really need to focus and work
8. Remove distractions as best you can: Make distractions difficult or inconvenient to access because it takes too much effort to indulge so you are less likely to give in
9. Block out some time: Schedule quiet time specifically for accomplishing a given task such as morning after a restful night in order to be more focused
10. Keep results clear in mind: Maintain motivation by accessing feelings so you can focus on results, especially those things lacking natural motivation
11. Enlist family and friends for help: Share your goals constantly so they can provide gentle reminders and incentives when they see your behavior not consistent with your goals
