1st June 2024

Staying close to God

I suppose human beings have always been susceptible to distractions. Any shiny, new thing can pull us away from more important considerations. But it does seem the number of distractions has increased exponentially with the Internet and social media. One hardly sees anyone without their eyes glued to some kind of device. Mobile phones are ubiquitous and totally consume some people’s attention.

Even in the 14th century, distractions were present. Brother Lawrence, from whom we have the blessing of writings about practicing God’s presence, shared how he was able to counteract them. In Letter 3, he observed that ‘A little lifting up of the heart and a remembrance of God suffices.’ He was addressing the life of a soldier, advising him to ‘think of God as often as possible. Let him accustom himself, by degrees, to this small but holy exercise. No one sees it, and nothing is easier than to repeat these little internal adorations all through the day.’

Internal adorations – what a wonderful way to rise above the many seductions technology and life itself bring our way. Of course, it takes a bit of self-discipline to continually draw our thoughts away from everything that’s not God and keep a constant awareness of him. Brother Lawrence learned to worship silently and internally while peeling potatoes and repairing shoes. We would do well to imitate his method of staying close to God through little internal adorations and perhaps learn to keep the distractions at bay.

Study by Tammy Tkach

First published on 7 May 2024, at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com a personal blog which is not sponsored by Grace Communion International.

About the writer:
Tammy Tkach is the Assistant Pastor of the Eugene, Oregon, USA, Grace Communion International congregation. She is a speaker and writer, and publishes a blog at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com  

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