PRAY FOR THE MONKEYS
Holly Hall
I am diagnosed with Attention Deficit Syndrom. This means I’m easily distracted, have trouble staying focused on a task, and occasionally find myself interrupting and/or reacting impulsively. One simple 30-minute task can turn into a pandemonium of thoughts diverting my attention away from the mission at hand.
I’m grateful that this diagnosis does not define who I am; Jesus does! He has created me to lead, encourage, direct, connect with, and love His people. So in the midst of my real struggle with ADD, God has provided me with ways to help me through this deficit so I can step into how He designed me to serve Him. May what God has taught me, bring you reliance and dependence on Jesus Christ!
Several years ago, I read pray for the monkeys in a book I was reading. Instead of beating myself for being distracted, I learned to pray for/about what’s consuming my attention (the author named the distractions “monkeys”). God teaches us to pray continuously and to pray about everything, so what an amazing opportunity to be obedient to God’s instructions!
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16, Philippians 4:6
God wants me to fix my eyes on Jesus and He wants me to deny myself daily”so I can stay alert to what it is He needs me to do every day. I have learned through physicians, wise counsel, and reputable resources how to keep my brain and body as healthy as possible so I can accomplish simple and complicated tasks to the best of my ability. For me, this means being in an active small group community, eating healthy, praying, meditating on Scripture, and exercising are examples of taking care of my body and mind so I can be present and ready for God to use me.
Read Hebrews 12:2, Mark 8:34-35; 1 Peter 5:8-9
You aren’t alone! In fact, the Bible teaches the Apostle Paul also struggled with what he called “a thorn in the flesh” which resulted in relying on God’s strength in his own weakness. What a great reminder for every one of us to rely on God’s strength as we battle our various deficits.
Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Psalm 63:7-8; Proverbs 3:5-6
Points to Ponder
-What deficit do you struggle with and how has God equipped you to overcome it on a day-to-day basis?
–Since God is the one who defines who you are, how has He created you to be? What spiritual gifts has God equipped you with?
–What monkeys consume your thoughts? Prayer is your secret weapon.
Action Steps
–Take the next Spiritual Gift Class by registering at lifepointnv.com/events or call the church office for more information.
–Do you need accountability, encouragement, and a community of people who will care about you? Join a small group! Ask how by calling the office or register at lifepointnv.com/groups.
–Do you need wise counsel on a struggle that may be keeping you from discovering or accomplishing how God designed you? Fill out a Biblical Counseling packet so a LifePoint counselor can help you discover your divine design.
