Yes, I’m guilty. It’s too common. In fact, it affects me more than most people. It’s a battle I fight. It’s a normal part of our culture today.

Here is a great example to review. This was a king. (No one is immune to this issue) His name was Hezekiah and he had a difficult situation. There is wisdom in his actions we can learn from:

Isaiah 38:1-2 says, “In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live. Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall and prayed unto the Lord.”

Note Hezekiah’s immediate response, he turned HIS FACE toward the wall and prayed to God. Avoided distractions. The king could have done many things, but when you’re going through a fierce battle, drop distracting items.

In today’s world, we would post our angry, panic, or complaining comments on social media.

Let me be clear: the problem isn’t posting or social media. The problem is the distraction it brings with endless entertainment and diverts from the real issue of OURSELVES. This distraction is now the norm of our culture today. It’s creating dormant humanity. Preoccupied with the next social post rather than seeking a real meaning of lives from our actions.

How would you have reacted?

Would you pray, or would you be furious, or numb?

Hezekiah “turned his face to the wall” but what does that mean for us today?
To turn your face to the wall means to turn away from everything else until all you see is God. It means turning away from everything and everyone that may distract you from seeking God.

There are a few suggestions on getting results when you are in pressure situations.

1. Look to God alone

Hezekiah turned HIS face toward the wall
Hezekiah went to prayer. He directed his prayer to God by himself, undisturbed by other people.
We turn to people for guidance rather than the praying. While people may help you feel better when you are going through a tough time, they don’t have the answers to all your problem; only God does. There’s nothing wrong with having their support, but it should only supplement. It shouldn’t be primary.

Even when you get tired, and you think it may be hopeless, take the time to pray. Look at what happened in the account in the book of Judges. (8:4)
Gideon and the 300 men came to the Jordan and crossed it.
Exhausted but still in pursuit.
This was a hopeless situation. All wiped out from exhaustion. Having nothing left inside but they stayed at it. If you’re are in pursuit, you keep at it even when you think you feel exhausted.

2. Prayers

James 5:16

The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].
James 5:16 says effectual, fervent prayer gets results.
Fervent prayer is a prayer that applies intense exertion or ardent zeal. You can’t just quote the scriptures twice a month and expect to get a breakthrough. You’ve got to get violent with your faith! That means you apply the Word of God to your situation with intensity and consistency until you see results.
Take note and see what James, the half brother of Jesus says about praying.

Look how it reads:
Confess to one another, therefore, your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart].

We need one another! When we are not in alignment with one another, our walk with God gets hindered. If you want to pray, heartfelt prayers, make sure you have confessed your wrongs to one another. Heaven remains locked up to hang when you don’t forgive.
Get it right with your brother/sister/family/co-worker etc. before you can have real praying power.

Turn your face to the wall and focus on Him. Get your heart right towards others and watch your prayers intensify. Do what He says while in prayer. This is such an important key.

3. Maintain a willing heart toward God

Many times Christians think they must be perfect for getting God’s favor, but God isn’t looking for outward displays of perfection; God looks for a heart that always wants to do His will. Obedience is better than sacrifice. That is what a perfect heart is. God doesn’t look at the outward appearance of a person; He looks at the heart and intentions of a man (1 Samuel 16:7). When you miss the mark, repent and ask God to forgive you. Keep pressing into His will for your life and seek to obey Him at every turn. You’ll display a perfect heart when you do.

We always pay for chasing after what is cheap.
Don’t jump for whatever may be quick because it shows up as being cheap.

When you determine to face the wall, you will release untapped capabilities in you. This decision is waiting for you! You’ll feel it resonate from deep within you. It will awaken your mind, your heart, and every fiber, from top to toe. Are you ready for that kind of change? It will be a challenge so you must get dangerous if you leave these distractions behind.

Are you ready for your heart and mind to be active? Prepared to be engaged in life and real meaning? Or stay addicted to being “entertained” with the distracted, trivial living?

Your wall waits. The decision is yours.