My little home library is a haven for me. It’s where I pray, study, write, and regularly get alone with God. It’s a peaceful, yet powerful place.
The wall in front of my desk has double windows. I often look out those windows to see the beauty of the day. Deer making their way through the field to drink in the lake. Geese meandering through the yard. Birds socializing at the feeder. Chickens strolling across my front porch, giving me “the eye” because I haven’t brought out any treats for them.
I thought all this was relaxation, but I realized it was actually distraction recently when a crew of yard workers arrived to refresh our shrub beds. They arrived very early one morning, and didn’t leave until very late in the evening. I spent that whole day trying to work in my library while they worked outside. Epic fail.
I told myself that would never happen again, and invested in curtains and a curtain rod right away. When I first hung the curtains, I was a bit sad that I couldn’t see the beautiful view in front of my house.
The next morning, however, was a different story. I came into my special place, and felt truly alone with God. There were no distractions. I could actually think, pray, study and create.
When God delivered the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage by the hand of Moses, He gave them the plans for a place to meet with Him. The Tabernacle was a mobile church.
Surrounding the Tent of Meeting were curtains. Wouldn’t its purpose still be the same without all the curtains to deal with? Wouldn’t it function the same? Sure. The Tabernacle would still function, but the people wouldn’t.
God knew the worshippers would require something to block all of the desert distractions from view. In order to truly get alone with God, they needed curtains.
Many of the things that we feel like are pleasant and satisfying in our lives are only distractions. I can’t tell you what they are in your life. Only you can do that. I will tell you that if you’re not able to get alone with God regularly, and focus on Him, and Him alone, there’s a reason.
If you truly want to enhance your experience with God on a daily basis, begin by letting some other things go. Cut some things loose.
I encourage you to purchase a set of curtains. Hang them. Pull them closed, and it will become clear what has been distracting you from your time alone with God and His purpose for your life.
“Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.” (Exodus 26:1)