Counsels on Mental Health

Counsel #5 — Free Yourself From Distractions

Picture: Counsel #5 — Free Yourself From Distractions CMH 87.1

Free yourself from social media, email, and visitors during your alone time with God.^[89] (Parents of small children and infants may need to sometimes modify this counsel!) This is your precious appointment with the reigning King of the Universe. Nothing is more important than this special time of communing with God. It’s insulting to God to leave His presence during your alone time to check your notifications, answer your messages, or put the clothes in the dryer! If you don’t have a quiet place at your house or dorm where you can spend time alone with God, consider a park, library, or even the corner of a quiet café (see Matthew 66:6a). CMH 87.2

“This I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction.” 1 Corinthians 7:35 NKJV CMH 87.3

“Secret prayer! How precious! The soul communing with God!... In secret prayer the soul is free from surrounding influences, free from excitement. Calmly, yet fervently, will it reach out after God.” Ellen White in Prayer, p. 178 CMH 87.4

Reflect: What distracts you most during your alone time with God? What steps can you take to eliminate or modify this? CMH 87.5