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Presented by Lauren Stibgen
Are you a doom scroller? Did you know all those apps on your phone are uniquely created to keep you scrolling and passing time? If we are honest, we start with one silly animal video or even a news clip and then watch and watch.
Before we know it, an hour has passed. And what do we have to show for the scroll? Perhaps it has taken your mind off a hectic day, but has it done more harm than good? Has the viewing caused you to avoid things you should have done? Or maybe it raised your stress levels because you viewed something on social media that hurt your feelings.
I am all for a funny video, but often, the great access to digital distractions keeps us from true rest. Research tells us people spend on average about two hours and twenty-five minutes consuming social media per day. This consumption can ultimately take away from rest if we allow it. But what if that device can help you with practices of rest or help bring you closer in relationship with God?
With the advent of apps, there are many which focus on prayer, Bible verses, and quiet time in God’s word. You may even be listening to this as a replay on your favorite digital platform, or you may tune in to our Zoom Bible Studies or our Walking Worthy podcast. All of this can be worthy time spent that draws you closer into relationship with God and the body of Christ.
If we go back to thinking about rest as holy, we can better frame our digital time. Are the things you are engaging with helping you dedicate yourself to God, serving him in your rest and displaying excellence both morally and spiritually? The well-named doom scroll is not doing any of these things. I would not consider it holy. But perhaps some of the other actions noted above are. Engaging with faith-based content can be good, until it causes you stress or takes away rest.
Your device has some tools which can help you to both plan and limit your time spent consuming media—faith based or not. Applying time limits on your favorite apps can be one way to increase your rest daily, limiting the temptation of the scroll. You can even set a passcode so you are not tempted to click “ignore” when your time is up. I know people who hold each other’s passcodes for accountability.
Aside from time limits, I also use my phone to remind me to take small moments of quiet reflection during the day or to remind me to pray during the day when I get too busy. It has helped me take more restful time out. I also love peaceful worship music. For example, I love to listen to music and write at the same time. As I prepare to talk to our audience, my phone is playing a constant stream of lovely music in the background.
As you can see, a device can both be a help and a hinderance to rest. Ask yourself if the rest you are getting from being on your device is holy and pleasing to God! This is one measure you will not forget! Building good digital habits can help you get closer to Sabbath rest.