Digital Fast

Matthew 6:16-18 (ESV)

16 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Something to consider is embarking on a “digital fast”.  Don’t worry about starting today –take a few days and consider what a digital fast might be like.  Explore your heart and needs and readiness.

Are you growing painfully aware of how attached you are to technology? 

  

If you are going to attempt a “digital fast” your fast needs a purpose – and holy motivator.  Today, take some time to write down why you are considering unplugging and what you hope to gain from your fasting experience.  When staying unplugged gets hard it will help to remember why you started. 

Dear Lord, guide us as we search our heart to see if You would have us to fast our digital devices. If that is what we decide help us to do it for the right reason. In the Name of Jesus, amen.

Attached to your phone?

Luke 5:12-16 (ESV)

12 While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” 13 And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him. 14 And he charged him to tell no one, but “go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” 15 But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. 16 But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.

How attached are you to your phone?  Intentionally or unintentionally we can all become waaaayyy too dependent on technology.  Our phones, computers, tablets, etc. can serve some really good purposes in our lives. They make it easy for us to communicate, track our schedules, stay on top of assignments and responsibilities, give us access to all kinds of entertainment, information, and more. It’s not all bad.  It’s not all good, either.

We all find ourselves detaching from people around us to check our phones. It’s almost a compulsive urge we developed over time.  Even when we’re alone we still feel the need to take out our phones and do a quick check of our notifications – especially when our phone dings or vibrates. 

That’s the downside of technology for us.  It’s great to stay connected, but it’s not always great to be instantly accessible.  The constant notifications on our phones can make it feel like we’re in a crowded place even when we’re physically alone.  Sometimes we just need time to ourselves.  Time to get away and recharge.

Solitude and silence were a significant element of Jesus’ ministry. He often withdrew from the crowds and went into the wilderness to pray (Luke 5:16).

If we want to reconnect with God, taking a “digital fast” could be a great idea. Take some time to read a few examples of moments Jesus took to be alone.  Why would that time be important to Him?  How could having those same kinds of quiet moments help us in our relationship with God?

Dear Lord, help us to have the zeal for You like we do for our phone or computer. Give us the strength to take time to be alone with You. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.