There's something so freeing about distancing yourself from technology, only if it's for a little while. Don't get me wrong—technology can be useful and provide connection and entertainment, but left unchecked, we can become addicted to it without even realizing it. 

Everything moves at a fast, frenetic pace these days, and technology is largely driving this push. Consider our smartphones and how they prompt us to scroll for hours a day, with us even realizing the time we're losing. It's hard enough to simply exist in our modern world, but to follow Jesus? This is another challenge for Christians to navigate. 

For today's blog post, I'm dialing in slowing down, turning off your phone, and making time for Jesus in your daily life. It's not easy, and it certainly isn't popular, but recommitting yourself to live simply and more mindfully is a life-changing thing. In fact, it could be just the thing you've been needing to kickstart your 2023 and establish healthy, God-centric habits that serve all of you—mind, body, and soul.

The Case for a Digital Detox

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." ~ Psalm 46:16

Feeling tense lately? As if you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? You're trying to move through your day in peace, but your time seems to be ruled by your digital devices—the ping from a coworker on your laptop, the endless calendar reminders, or even the well-meaning texts from friends and family. It's a lot, and it's okay to admit that you don't feel like yourself. 

The first step in this digital detox process is to recognize the problem at hand: you're not okay, and that's okay! We weren't meant to live like this, being pulled in so many different directions, not having the time to be still and focus on God.

It's often this busyness (no matter how well-intended) that leads to spiritual numbness. Christian writer Corrie Ten Boom once said, "If the devil can't make you sin, he'll make you busy." This seems a bit harsh on the first read, but there's truth to this.

Busyness distracts us, isolates us, and takes our attention away from God.  

According to a post from Business Insider, the average phone user touches their smart phone over 2,617 times a day. Each user is on his or her phone for two and half hours over seventy six sessions. This is shocking, isn't it? The amount of time we're losing to our devices is staggering.

Trust me, this wasn't an easy statistic for me to swallow, either. This is coming from someone who loves their devices! I enjoy spending time on Instagram and Facebook, checking in with friends and the state of the world, but I recognize the shift this habit creates within me. Scrolling on my smartphone shortens my attention span, heightens my anxiety, and lessens my face-to-face connections with real people. No matter how much I try to justify this habit, can't seem to shake that gnawing feeling in the pit of my stomach—I am not satisfied. I am not fulfilled. I am not growing in my apprenticeship to Jesus.

Time to Breathe and Be Human

"For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him." ~ Psalm 62:5

There's an invitation here, to slow down and live like Jesus. To not let your smartphone dictate your life, and to be attuned to the needs of others in real-time. It's important to recognize that Jesus was a man of stillness. Yes, His ministry was thriving and His days were often spent serving others, but He prioritized stillness. He never acted out of haste. 

Jesus deeply understood how important it was to spend time with the Father. That's why He'd often leave the disciples and go away into the wilderness, to pray. In silence, we meet with God. In solitude, we come face-to-face with the true meaning of life. 

We were created to be in constant communication with God. Not occasionally, but through everyday conversations. 

When you allocate more time in your day to separate yourself from distraction and pray, you grow in peace. Why? You become what you give your attention to! That's why it's critical that we're prioritizing conversations with Jesus above all else. 

Jesus once said in John 14:6, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.' With this in mind, we should be chasing Jesus with everything we have. He deserves our all, our everything. Of course, silencing all the other voices in our day and coming to the feet of Jesus isn't an easy thing to do. It forces us to sit in silence with ourselves, acknowledging our own sin and hurts. But what awaits us on the other side of this is a transformation like no other.

 Focusing On What God Has for You

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." ~ Jeremiah 1:5

There's some pretty great things to come about because of our smartphones, but one of the things that's been hard for me is the comparison game. Is this true for you, too? I see a highlight reel of everyone else's life and this tends to make me feel insecure (or experience fear of missing out!).

One thing I've been really trying to do this year is make space in my schedule for God to remind me of what He's doing in my life, not others. God has you in this specific season for a reason and He desperately wants you to know how held you are, how loved.  

Give God the opportunity to speak clearly to you by carving out some time in your schedule for prayer, meditation, and Christian fellowship. 

A Reminder to Focus on Jesus

A whole new world awaits you when you turn off the distractions and tune in to God's teachings! Our selection of Christian apparel and accessories are designed with your faith in mind, encouraging you to return to Scripture day after day. We're always updating our website with new, seasonal designs for you and your fellow sisters in Christ. 

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