A while back I had gone thru a spiritual cleansing program that focused on casting out demons. The problem was there wasn't a focus on practicing the presence of God.
So it was always a battle and one was always wary of a sneak attack.
 
The problem with that is the focus is wrong. If one fills their heart with Christ thru waiting and spending time with him, that is what he will have, the presence of Christ and his peace. Demons can not stand that and they will try to distract you in any way, even if it is focusing on them.  I really appreciate the little book by Brother Lawrence, a monk from the 17th century. He practiced the presence of Christ in everything, he learned to focus on Jesus by disciplining his mind to reject any distraction that took him away from Christs presence. This man was filled with the presence of Christ and his little book is a primer for Christian teaching still today. Learn what pleases the Lord and do it. Avoid any activity that draws one away from Chists peace.

I can list a few big ones that draw me away and I am sure you could also.
Let me start with focusing on the news. Many of us have that problem, what emotion does that bring out? To me it certainly is not the peace of God but is usually anger and fear. So I have been trying to wean myself off of this focus and I think some of you would also benefit. One thing I have also found very soothing is listening to a prayer CD that has music on it at night time when I am awake and everyone else is asleep. It is a great time to commune with the Lord. I focus on the prayer and music and try to cut off all other distractive thoughts, it is difficult at first, Like many things we wish to gain mastery of it takes consistant practice. God does not want us to live in confussion but to have a sound and healthy mind. Our thoughts are very important to him, he wants to be with us there. If you haven't noticed, I am also talking to myself.
 
 
God bless
frank