Devotion In An Era Of Distraction

How to Stay Spiritually Anchored in an Age of Distraction

Devotion In An Era Of Distraction-

I dread the notification my phone gives me once a week: Screen Time Usage.
It’s not just a stat—it’s a conviction of judgement. My own cell phone betraying my loyal usage.

One that says: “You spent how many hours on Instagram this week?”

My answer?
The Reels algorithm got me.

Where else can I watch a 30-second video of an instructional baking tutorial, a highlight of John Cena winning the WWE title, and a pastor telling me to grow in my faith—all before I even get out of bed? Nowhere!

None of these are inherently bad things. But they are ‘filler’ things—and if not monitored, these ‘things’ can become distractions. Phones aren’t the only distractions in life. We have devices, we have appointments, we have tasks to a list that never ends. We live in an era of distraction.

For those who follow Christ, distractions don’t just steal time—they steal away from a relationship with the One who gave us His time first. A relationship that changes the way we should approach everything, including our distractions.

Distraction is the new default.

I am living proof that a distracted life has become all too normal for most people in our society. We have become comfortable or complacent with a life of distraction. It is easy to think this mindless scroll on my phone will just take a moment, and the next thing you know half an hour has gone by.

Our devices are tools, yes. But like any tool, they can either build or break. They can help you grow, or quietly pull you away from what matters most.

Let’s call it what it is: Distractions are dangerous.

Dr. Gloria Mark, a psychologist and author of Attention Span: A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness, and Productivity¹, has been researching distractions and digital habits for over 20 years. Back in 2004, the average attention span was two and a half minutes. By 2020, it dropped to just 47 seconds.

Forty-seven.

That’s how long most of us can stay focused before switching tasks. If it’s true, you have probably already stopped reading this post by now. Blame the scroll. Blame your favorite distraction.

But this isn’t just a tech problem—it’s a devotion problem.

In this screen-heavy, social-engineered culture, we’re faced with a question. To be honest, it's more of an ultimatum:

Will I drift in distraction, or will I anchor in devotion?

Can you do both? Sort of. But let’s be honest—a devoted life requires more effort than a distracted one.

Distraction is easy. Devotion takes intention.

What does devotion even look like?

I believe a devoted life is something we can and should pursue.

It looks like staying focused when everything else is trying to pull you away.
It looks like choosing stillness when the world offers stimulation.
It looks like giving your attention to God—before your screen gets it. How often have I found myself checking emails or social media before I committed the day to God? More than I would like to admit, for sure.

Devotion requires attention. If we don’t intentionally give God our focus, the world will gladly steal it. And what the world steals, it doesn’t return easily.

As followers of Jesus, we’re not just called to believe in Him. He is our Savior and our Lord.
We’re called to follow Him.
To apprentice under Him.
To live lives anchored to His words, His way, and His presence.

Jesus was never distracted, but always devoted. Some situations may have arisen that some would call distractions, but he stayed committed to allow them to be opportunities of devotion. Moments where his mission and purpose shone bright. Why? His foundation was built on devotion to the father.

A life without an anchor drifts.

One summer, I was on a boat when a storm rolled in fast. The sky went dark, the wind kicked up, waves started crashing, and a current attempted to pull us towards it’s path. What kept us steady?
The anchor.

The boat still rocked, but it didn’t drift away.
It had something deeper holding it in place.

That’s the image the writer of Hebrews gives us:

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus… has become our high priest forever.”
— Hebrews 6:19–20²

In a world of constant motion, Jesus is the anchor that holds. Our culture of distractions acts as the current doing it’s best to pull you whichever way it chooses. But Jesus holds still.

But anchoring your life in Christ doesn’t happen by accident. You don’t simply drift into devotion—you decide it. You have to take intentional steps towards a devoted life.

So how do we stay anchored?

You might be tempted to say, “I just don’t have time for all that.”
But let’s be real: we make time for what matters.

Devotion isn’t about having time. It’s about giving attention.

Let’s get practical. Here are three conversational ways to fight distraction and live anchored in devotion:

1. Practice Presence Over Performance

Devotion isn’t about checking spiritual boxes. It’s about being with God.

Start by reclaiming small moments in your day:

• Read one psalm while your coffee brews.

• Pray in the car instead of listening to another podcast.

• Pause before you scroll. Just pause. This is the hardest step for me. I am always running, but we can make room and spaced for that which is sacred.

God doesn’t need perfection. He wants your presence, which comes from persistence.

2. Develop Spiritual Rhythms, Not Just Routines

Disciplines when practiced correctly aren’t legalistic—they’re lifelines.

Here are some rhythms that help me stay grounded:

• Start your day with Scripture. Let God’s voice be the first one you hear.

• Talk to God throughout your day. Not just “quiet time” prayer—real, raw, ongoing conversations.

• Worship often. Put on music that reminds you of who God is and who you are in His eyes..

• Fast occasionally. Not just from food—but from media. Give your soul some space.

Spiritual rhythms build spiritual resilience.

3. Stay Connected to Community

Distraction grows in isolation. Devotion grows in community.

• Go to church—even when it’s easier to stay in.

• Join a small group or Bible study. My church holds a value: “Discipleship happens best in authentic community.” Authentic community does not happen by accident. We can welcome the real and unfiltered parts of relationships.

• Text a friend something God showed you this week.

• Ask someone to hold you accountable to what you’re reading or praying.

Don’t find yourself anchored alone. We all need people helping us hold steady.

Final Thought

You can live devoted in a distracted world.

But you’ll need to be honest about where your attention goes. You’ll need to anchor deep. And you’ll need to remember that Jesus hasn’t moved—He’s still holding fast.

Let this be like the dreaded “screen time” reminder. We need to be devoted to a HOPE that calls us to a life of more.

Still reading? Let me know how you fight against distractions in the comments below.

And if you’ve read this far—maybe now’s the time to pause and pray:
“Jesus, anchor my soul today. I don’t want to drift—I want to dwell.”

1. Mark, G. (2023). Attention span: A groundbreaking way to restore balance, happiness and productivity. Hanover Square Press.

2. Crossway Bibles. (2016). The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV). Crossway.