Spurgeon Sermon Recap: #1116
Medicine for the Distracted

by Jaimie Helmer
Published August 4, 2024.

“In the multitude of my thoughts within me, thy comforts delight my soul.”
- Psalm 94:19

This is an ailment that is certainly discouraging to face as a believer. We ask ourselves if it is possible to defeat such hindrances to our walk while living in such a technological age ridden with angst. 

However, as much as we may attribute this state solely to modern technology, distraction has always been a silent killer. Its attack on devotion has taken many shapes and sizes throughout the millennia. Charles Spurgeon attested to this in his sermon, “Medicine for the Distracted.” In it, he expounds the Psalmist’s (which he considers to be David) words in verse 19. In his analysis, Spurgeon notes five ways David sought to live a God-centred life, thereby fighting anxieties and distractions. 

What Did David Do to Live a God-Centred Life?

1. He Delighted in God as His Chief Joy: David was no stranger to peaceful living and the joys of a simple existence. His early days were marked by solitude as he shepherded his flocks and played an array of music on his lyre. Songs of praise sprung from his heart as he considered creation and the glory that shone forth from it (Psalm 19). Furthermore, David knew luxury and prosperity, as he was made king later on in his life. However, despite all of this, he esteemed God as his source of satisfaction. While he valued both the solace and excitement he experienced, nothing compared to the comforts found in God. Here, Spurgeon encourages us to take after the example of David and remind ourselves of the exceeding riches in Christ. Though passing comforts come, of which we can thank the Lord, none surpass the immutable God of comfort. Therefore, let us constantly remind ourselves, like David, of where true contentment lies.    

2. He Went to God in All Circumstances: Spurgeon notes a recurring theme throughout David's life: He went to God in all circumstances. Just a brief examination of the days of David is enough to convince the reader of the array of experiences he lived through. Numerous Psalms (Psalm 18, Psalm 57, and Psalm 142) demonstrate the strong emotions he felt as he was hunted by his adversary, Saul. We can read about his role as Israel’s king and the responsibilities of such a position (1 Samuel 16). Finally, David’s repentance from his sin with Bathsheba can be seen in Psalm 51. However, though laden with many cares, David continually brought every one of them to the Lord. Spurgeon encourages us to slow down and replenish ourselves in the grace of God. We often live hurried lives and consequently damage our focus. The reader is urged, “Get away to your God, O Christian!” In light of this, let us strive to take every care and burden to the Lord, lest we try to live apart from His abundant provision. 

3. He Fled to God When Evil Thoughts Arose: Our contemplations ought to be guarded with greater vigor. Jesus, while answering another point of contention made by the Pharisees, says, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies” (Matthew 15:19). In addition, Paul stresses the importance of guarding our thought life throughout his writings, such as his comprehensive list of the character of the thoughts we ought to think, ending with an exhortation to "think on these things" (Philippians 4:8). Along with a comparison of flesh and Spirit in his letter to the church of Rome, in which he writes, "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5). It is then paramount that we know how to respond when evil thoughts arise. Spurgeon notes that the nature of these thoughts is often doubts about the things of God. He comments, “There is not a doctrine of the gospel which [Satan] will not tempt you to doubt, there is not a holy thing which he will not urge you to blaspheme.” The solution when faced with such a circumstance, Spurgeon notes, is to “fall back upon your God.” Here we find rest for the soul and strength from the Spirit to withstand such attacks.

4. He Wrestled with God in Times of Mental Instability: There are seasons in our lives where our thoughts are many and overwhelm our being. Rest seems out of the realm of possibility as we long for single-mindedness. Meditation seems daunting and unachievable. It is in these times that we must draw near to the Lord in faith, pleading with Him to restore our peace (James 4:8). In the words of Spurgeon, “Steer to God right away; fly to him, and you will find a peaceful shelter where—‘You shall smile at Satan’s rage, And face a frowning world.’” 

5. He Fell upon God When Assurance Waned: A lack of assurance can be one of a believer’s greatest struggles. How can we be certain we will persevere until the end? Am I unforgivable? Such questions, among various others, can consume our consciences. What can be done in such cases? Spurgeon states, “Come and anchor close by your God, and the storms of unbelief will no more affect you.” Here, Spurgeon encourages the reader to be fettered to God with a heavenward gaze. Do not delay by waiting for some confirmation; instead, go to Christ despite your many questions. Look to the cross, cling to the cross, and rest in the cross. Spurgeon says, "If you cannot come to the Lord as a saint, come as a sinner. . . . Do not discuss with Satan the question as to whether you are a saint or not, but fly to Christ Jesus." To summarize, such doubts should not be ignored, but they also should not discourage us to the point of despair; rather, they show us all the more our need for a savior.

Final Thoughts

Each one of us will face an assortment of disturbances that will seek to derail our focus. We have seen that no one is immune to such attacks, even King David. Through meticulous observation of the biblical text, Spurgeon outlines five ways David persevered through the onslaughts of life. A recurring theme of taking refuge in the Lord is seen throughout. While this may seem simplistic to the mind at first glance, its importance becomes apparent once we have begun to understand our neediness. In essence, the practice of abiding in God requires a constant awareness of our inability to do so apart from Him. So then, let us go to the God who promises to keep us and ask Him to hold our gaze heavenward. He is faithful.    

Original Sermon: Medicine for the Distracted