The topic of attention has been running circles in my mind for the past few months. My interest is quite personal. You see, I regularly experience the brevity of my attention span and my proclivity for distraction. I also seem to have spread the malady around because many of my friends and family mention a similar struggle.

So, my attention has turned toward trying to understand this attention dilemma. Where did it come from? Where did it go? Where did it come from Cotton Eyed… Okay, see!!? My attention was stolen right out from under my nose (or at least that’s where I think my attention is located 🤔)!

Quick, before I’m distracted again! Here’s my thesis: the war for my attention boils down to my core need for security and comfort.

First off, the digital world in which we live is soooo connected. We can know about everything going on everywhere! With this incredible capability has entered an insidious compulsion: We MUST keep up with everything! Do you feel that pressure? The pressure to have an informed opinion about the corruption taking place halfway around the world? The pressure to know which products are toxic and harmful to you and your family? The pressure to know and defend every issue for your chosen political party?

IT NEVER ENDS!

Secondly, almost every business in the world is investing significant money into getting your attention! It’s no surprise that we find ourselves addicted to our devices and products, they were literally designed to ensnare our attention! Our reactions are being studied, hijacked and then monetized.

Lastly, life is difficult and stressful, in part due to the incredible pressure we experience. So, I seek out distractions to help me cope. Sometimes nothing seems more appealing than to sit down on my computer and zone out on Youtube for a couple of hours. I am willingly giving away my attention so that I don’t have to think anymore about x, y, or z.

Each of these layers can be traced back to my desire for security. I want to be in the know because I want to be sure that I’m safe. Being uninformed could be dangerous! I need to be in the know so that I am accepted by those demanding that I defend all my opinions. I like the readily accessible supply of notifications on my devices because they keep me from feeling awkward when I don’t know what to do with myself. Zoning out to Youtube insulates me (only briefly) from the stress I’m experiencing.

The good news is that Jesus understands. He is not angry with me for allowing my attention to get bullied around. He looks at me with compassion. He knows that we are sheep with a million wolves around us claiming to be shepherds. He graciously and gently calls my name and reminds me that he alone offers what I truly need— security and love.

The simple fact is that I am harassed by and helpless against the vicious world out there, and the vicious world inside my own head. And Jesus knows I need help. He can’t stand to see me left alone, he comes running to save me.

So there it is. An attempt to put this experience into words and identify its causes. Plus the truth that none of this changes how Jesus feels about me. I pray that this comforts and encourages you today :)