The Cure for a Scattered Mind

 

Each person thinks that whatever they experience is the same as every other person. After living several decades, I realize that is not true. While we are alike in many ways, we are also unique. I rarely meet another person with the same interests, skills, and weaknesses that I have. One of those weaknesses is a sharp mind that is so easily distracted that sticking to one thought, never mind one project, has always been a challenge. This morning, I read these verses and wonder if Jesus was like that too . . .

For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore, he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (Hebrews 2:16–18)

MacArthur’s title for this devotion is: Jesus came to sympathize with us, so He could be our merciful and faithful High Priest.

Being made like us “in every respect” is mind-boggling. He suffered our struggles so He could help us with them? That is what the Bible says yet when I think of having a scattered mind, I associate it with sin, a human weakness and lack of self-control. Since Jesus never sinned, how could He know by experience what it is like to be easily distracted? He certainly didn’t behave as if He was.

However, there is truth found in Paul’s advice to a young pastor. He gave instruction to him about several things such as his health, critics, moral and spiritual warfare, and summed it up with:

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel. (2 Timothy 2:8)

This is key to a distracted mind. I’m learning that whatever else I try to concentrate on does not stick, but when I “remember Jesus” and focus on Him, my mind will stay there. Jesus, as fully human, did something like that. He said it this way:

“My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work” . . . . and “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.” (John 4:36 and 6:38)

The OT put it this way: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3) Jesus totally trusted His Father and fixed His mind on the Father’s will. He talked and listened to His Father and made that a priority. This is the cure for a scattered mind and wandering thoughts.

This line from this devotional book is entirely true: Like Timothy, we need to be reminded of Christ’s humanity, especially when life becomes particularly tough. Then we can pray, “Lord, You know what You endured while You were here. I’m going through it now.” We can be sure that He knows and will encourage us.

It isn’t just a wandering mind, but whatever else causes me to struggle, Jesus knows it. He came not only to save me from sin but to experience what I experience, so He could be a “merciful and faithful high priest.”

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)

Jesus felt everything I will ever feel and knows what it is like to be tempted to stop trusting His Father. He faced temptation in full degree — without sin. Instead, He sweat drops of blood and said, “Not my will, but thine be done.”

PRAY: Jesus, I am more and more aware of how You entered this world fully human but without sin. Also, that I can focus on You and my mind is not so apt to stray elsewhere, even while I’m occupied with other things. You enable me to pray and praise You, even while washing dishes or making a quilt, or whatever else might be going on. You knew the distractions and resisted them by focusing on the Father. You also gave me Your mind so I can focus on You and not be distracted (1 Corinthians 2:16). You are my Lord and Savior, expressing Your great love and grace to the nth degree.

PONDER: “No temptation has overtaken me that is not common to man (or even to Jesus). God is faithful, and he will not let me be tempted beyond my ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that I may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, personalized)