Attention Deficit – Listen
In our culture we have seen lots of information about ADHD, which stands for “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder”. This disorder is described as “poor concentration, hyperactivity and impulsivity”. It is not just a childhood issue according to most medical experts. I don’t claim to be any sort of expert on this particular disorder diagnosis. I have been around hyper people. I have been around people who don’t listen well. I’ve been around people who are quite impulsive too.
I think that there is a “spiritual form” of ADHD. We get so busy and focused on doing the things we want to do when we want to do them and we stop listening to the Lord as He tries to lead us and direct out path. It’s been a problem for us since we were created. Jeremiah is calling out the people of Judah and Israel for their “attention deficit” with the Lords directions and commands. Check this out….
3 For twenty-three years—from the thirteenth year of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah until this very day—the word of the Lord has come to me and I have spoken to you again and again, but you have not listened.
4 And though the Lord has sent all his servants the prophets to you again and again, you have not listened or paid any attention. (Jeremiah 25:3-4 NIV)
When I read that I can hear the “therefore” coming. Because they didn’t listen the Lord is about to discipline them. He allows them to be taken captive by another nation for 75 years.
As I look at my heart, I realize that I have “Spiritual ADHD”. I don’t always listen carefully when the Lord speaks. Sometimes the noise of my environment is so loud, it’s drowning out the voice of the Lord. There are also times that I’m so consumed with what I like and what I want that I ignore the Lord telling me what I need. I need take time to sit in the presence of the Lord with His Word and listen as He speaks truth into my life. I need to listen as He speaks directives into my schedule today. He is speaking and I need to stop what I’m doing and focus on what He’s saying to me.
Pressing On!
Dwayne