Distractions are a part of life. They always have been. We may choose to believe that the complexities and pace of life in modern times are without parallel in history, but even in the simplest and slowest paced age people have faced distractions which endeavor to hinder the achievement of goals and objectives. The capability to focus on a goal and eliminate or ignore distractions is essential to accomplishing large tasks. However, identifying and selecting a worthy goal is a prerequisite to success. If you don’t know where you want to go, how will you know that you have arrived? By the time David wrote the 27th Psalm, he was already a success in life. He had experienced victory. Although he had been tested many times, he was in a position where he could have whatever he desired. Against a backdrop of success and triumph, some might find his request in verse 4 a little perplexing. *“One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.”* David was seemingly in the position where he could have it all or perhaps he already did have it all and came to the realization that nothing that he had achieved brought real fulfillment or satisfaction. In this Psalm, David has already expressed confidence and trust in God, but he has an objective to enter and stay in the presence of the Lord. Unlike so many of us who seemingly have an endless list of requests and desires, David focuses on one thing. Remember that the language here is poetical and that David did not neglect his responsibilities as King, father or husband and we know that he was always praying, petitioning or pleading his case before God, but he declares his highest aspiration is to dwell in the presence of God. When you make seeking God your number one priority, you will certainly encounter those who will accuse you of shirking your responsibilities or of being “so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good.” Those whose highest passion and desire is not for God have very little appreciation or understanding for those who desire God above everything else. When Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, clinging to his every word, an embittered Martha was resentful over having to perform all of the preparations herself. It was not as though the task Martha was doing was unimportant or irrelevant under ordinary circumstances, but when Jesus is present the circumstances are not ordinary. *“There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”* Luke 10:42 (NLT) There is nothing inherently wrong with having a diversity of interests and pursuits, but we must be careful to not lose sight of the real goal which is Jesus Christ and our relationship with him. As long as we are in this life there is no greater objective. Paul put it this way, *“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”* Philippians 3:13–14 (NLT) It was said of Ted Williams that his focus during the game was so intent that when he was at the plate, awaiting the pitch, that when it was released from the pitcher’s hand, he was able to see the stitches on the ball and determine the type of pitch. Oh that we as Christians would be so intently focused on the heavenly prize that we would be able to block out all other distractions. *“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”* Hebrews 12:1b-2a (NIV)