Contemplative Bible Reading

Psalms 86:11 b (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

give me an undivided mind to fear your name.

I read this while sitting in a Bible class on a Sunday morning. At the time I had two different notebooks in my lap, an open Bible, and several note cards in my hands. It was a typical Sunday morning.

The phrase “undivided mind” (the NIV uses the words “undivided heart”) caught my eye. If I only could think of one thing at a time. If I could only concentrate on one thing. If all the other things cluttering my mind would go away for a while.

This is akin to the session I am leading at a conference in a few weeks. It is about distractions and how they can clutter our lives.

I have a few techniques that I can use to remove the divisions in my mind. I know how to jot notes so that extra thoughts go away and my attention focuses on one thing. I know how to do better.

Still, I struggle with a divided mind.

In one sense it is a great blessing. God has filled my life with things that are of interest to me. God has blessed me with so much to do, so much to consider, so much to share, so many opportunities to serve.

At times, however, I wish I could do one thing at a time.

Today I am flying from Washington to Phoenix. These trips are a chance to be alone (in a crowded airport and crowded airplane) and think. I have a chance to think about one thing and concentrate.

Thanks God. Please give me an undivided mind.