Interruptions come at us from all directions. They manifest from both unexpected and familiar places, and even things we do in our daily routine play a role. And let’s not forget the elephant in the room, technology. Between dings, pings, rings, and alarms, it can feel like the computers are controlling our time. Peace seems to be fleeting in a 5–6-day work week, let alone in our evening chores and bedtime routines. I don’t think I am the only person to feel this new tension rising in the atmosphere. It is like thick fog enveloping our thoughts, making it harder to concentrate, as if it’s a form of intelligence set on blocking our God-given right to be connected to the Holy Spirit. However, we can partner with God’s flow and shorten the distance between those moments of chaos, allowing us to reach peace in our lives.
Want Chaos? Create Interruptions
What is an interruption? The textbook definition is an action that hinders or stops an activity for a time. It can reflect a pause, a disruption, an intermission, a disturbance, an intrusion, or a disconnection. Common interruptions include phone calls, emails, and notifications on whatever devices we are using. It could be unexpected visits, conversations that drag on, or running into a friend while at the store. Distractions can even come at you from a noisy bird, a truck blowing its horn, or someone down the street mowing the lawn. It really depends on what environment you’re in. Take a moment and think of all the distractions you have had in your day before reading this. Were they unexpected? Were they because you didn’t take care of one thing that made you have to now fix a problem caused by it? Some interruptions are of our own making as well. Maybe they weren’t major events, but they were enough to cause some chaos for your day. Amazingly, as I am writing, I was interrupted by a wonderful neighbor at my door!
There are innumerable other disturbances throughout our day. There are work-related interruptions, such as a quick meeting turning into hours, or a colleague’s question comes as a loud voice through your office doorway. We have household chores like unfolded laundry on the bed that must be folded before the in-laws arrive for dinner, a child who gets a cold and must go to the clinic, or a pet that needs a potty walk, just as you put the cake in the oven.
Social media and technology interruptions are now the norm, but with advancements in AI meant to help limit and prioritize them, the system hiccups have not been resolved. Sometimes a call that should come through is routed to voicemail, never shows up, or doesn’t show up for hours. Then there is the old standby, television. I can remember when there were limited commercials during TV shows, programs, and online media outlets. Podcasts are in this category, but as with some other media, if you pay a subscription fee, the content contains little or no advertising.
Today, with every market fighting for advertising dollars, you may get ten minutes of a show, then eight to ten minutes of commercials! Consumers are now forced to choose between enduring these interruptions or paying for a premium service to watch a movie semi-commercial-free. The new subscription-based model has become the go-to system; however, it is one of the worst offenders in disrupting the flow of information and entertainment. It is literally the wild west out there when it comes to finding standard-setting options for news and entertainment. A literal Pandora’s Box is open, and the AI genie is on the loose!
Then there are the environmental factors that bring disturbance. A new building is under construction right beside your office, so you must take a 15-minute detour because the road is closed. Weather disruptions are just as prevalent in our lives now. Massive snowstorms, wind, flooding rain, hail the size of softballs, arctic cold as far south as Florida, and odd heat waves in the middle of Spring! All these things have been increasing, and the people of God are paying attention.
How to Spot Some Interruptions Before They Begin
Increased distractions can take many forms, as noted. But what can we do, and what are some signs of potential interruptions in our day? Check your environment. Something as small as looking at the weather for the day and dressing appropriately can bring peace and stability. Check your work environment. Will there be a meeting this week, an important delivery of merchandise that needs to be stocked, or a large project you need to complete? Take 10 minutes to look at your schedule. Practicing anticipating others’ needs or questions can help reduce problems. You will never eliminate all distractions, but getting into a productive rhythm helps maintain focus.
Becoming self-aware of the indicators that can distract you is a learned skill. Trust yourself and keep a notebook handy to write down sudden changes you can refer to later. If you feel a change in your focus, start feeling hungry, rushed, or overwhelmed, you may disconnect from what you are doing.
How can you proactively manage interruptions? Here are some strategies. First, bring God into your day before your feet hit the ground. Something I do each morning before I get out of bed is say, “This is the day the Lord has made, and I shall rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). I have it on my letter board in my kitchen and see it every morning as a reminder. Second, set boundaries. In whatever you are doing, set a boundary that fits you. For example, no phone calls at home after 9:00 p.m. or no social media an hour before bed for good sleep. Third, create designated work, rest, family, and prayer time. Too often, we move on the fly, leaving the door open for chaos to enter. Designating mornings and/or before bed for prayer can bring calm first thing in the morning and before you get rest. Only check and reply to emails twice a day (unless there is a priority). Schedule meetings on a set day and add 30 minutes before the meeting for reflection or preparation. Turn your phone on to “reduce interruptions” option or set it to “do not disturb” during work hours. Utilizing boundaries can make you more productive, but you should also be flexible enough to change things when necessary. It is your choice whether you want to have some say in how you plan your day.
Discover your “why” and what you want your life to look like, and make that your focus and priority. With these two questions answered, it makes it a lot easier to say, “No,” to things that don’t fall in line with your life goals. Always make sure God is consulted so the path you are on is directed by Him. You’ll know the right way when peace is present. And how do you get to a peaceful answer? Read on…
Want Peace? Create a Peaceful Atmosphere
The importance of a peaceful environment for productivity and well-being cannot be overstated. Neither can we diminish our faith in the path the Lord leads each one on for His purpose. And as you have been reading this, I’ll bet you’ve already thought of at least two things you can do to manage and be proactive as disturbances in your family, work, and prayer life increase. The examples thus far have all been practical steps with everyday applications. But let’s get into the real meat of this article. God gave us the ability to have peace in Him, no matter the situation!
In Matthew, the first book of the New Testament, Jesus lays out who the peacemakers are: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9 KJV). They are the BLESSED children of God! The word peacemaker means one who makes peace, peaceable, and one who loves peace. This word confirms that we should all strive to maintain peace in our lives and remain under His blessing.
In John 14:26, Jesus introduces us to the Comforter, the Holy Ghost. He shall teach us and bring all things to our remembrance. Then, in verse 27, He says, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” He came to give us the Word, a double-edged sword, that would help to circumcise our hearts and turn our minds back to Christ, where true peace resides. And, in whom, after His death, burial, and resurrection, we are the body.
Jesus’ life personified the Word and He knew His purpose. His “why.” During turmoil, He sought peace. He sought a connection with the Father. He prayed. After He healed many and cast out devils, He went into the desert early and prayed (See Mark 1:34-35). After healing the man with a withered hand, the Pharisees were filled with madness, plotting against Jesus. He knew their thoughts yet performed the miracle, refusing to be afraid (See Luke 6:6-11). Then, verses 12 and 13 tell us what He did before selecting His disciples, “And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles.” This is a perfect example of how to maintain peace under distress: Know your why, keep your connection with God, ask in prayer for direction, give action to your faith, and know whose you are. No matter the situation you are in, Christ has overcome it. Being at peace allows the Holy Spirit to give you supernatural instructions that bring victory!
Maintain Peace in a Fallen World
To maintain peace amid personal and national chaos, draw on forgiveness and trust in God’s guidance. Pursue a purposeful, centered life, returning often to prayer and reflection. In doing so, you close the distance between chaos and peace and equip yourself to respond with clarity and calm, no matter the source of the interruption.
Practice forgiveness
• “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15 (KJV)
• “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21-22 (KJV)
Emphasize love and compassion.
• “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:43-45 (KJV)
• “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:8-9 (KJV)
Seek solitude and prayer regularly.
• Jesus frequently stepped away from the chaos of this world and prayed alone, seeking the only One who had the power and the answers for His mission. He made sure there was always time to be alone with the Father in preparation for events or for refreshing. Some scriptures of note: Mark 1:35, Mark 3:13, Mark 6:30-32, Mark 6:46, Matthew 14:13, Matthew 15:29.
Building supportive relationships
• To be at peace, you must surround yourself with the right people. Set boundaries aligned with your goals for tranquility in your life. Jesus selected 12, yet there was still a Judas among them. But consider this hard reality: sometimes it takes a Judas to get us where God wants us to be.
Be thankful and give gratitude.
• “Thank you” is more than just a kind thing to say to someone, especially to our triune God. A sincere “thank you” confirms a transaction has occurred. For example, if someone brings you flowers, what would you say? That’s awful? No, I don’t want them. No…most would say, “Thank you.” That means something was given and something was received. Being thankful to God is an act of faith. It is thanking Him for what He has done and for the faith to say it, which brings about the things not yet seen! Being grateful gives recognition and glory to the Lord. No matter the situation or amount of discontent, be grateful to God, knowing it will work out for His will and for good!
Interruptions are unavoidable, but chaos is a choice. In a world filled with constant noise and interruption, peace is not found by controlling our circumstances but by surrendering them to God. When we choose prayer over panic, gratitude over frustration, and obedience over fear, we align ourselves with His flow. Jesus showed us that peace is nurtured by our relationship with the Father. He often went away from all the noise to His quiet place, seeking peace and clarity in His purpose. As we follow His example to forgive freely, love intentionally, and remain thankful in all things, the Holy Spirit guides us through the chaos into calm. May we daily choose God’s presence. May we have faith in knowing that where His peace rests, clarity, purpose, and refreshing will assuredly follow.
Feature Images: River valley, computer in cabin window, Bible on cabin table GENAI Text to Image; Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the KING JAMES VERSION of the Bible.
