Every year my church, Rock City, begins January with 21 days of prayer and fasting.
Obviously, I cannot participate in the normal sense, giving up food, due to my history of an eating disorder. So, I participate in other ways.
First things first – Why fast?
Fasting serves as a temporary act of self-denial with the intention of re-focusing our attention on God. The item being fasted should be something you engage with on a near daily basis. It’s a reminder that HE is our sustenance.
Matthew 4:4 “Man shall not live on bread alone, but every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Often, the item being fasted is food. This could be something along the lines of the Daniel fast, or only drinking liquids. But really, the item given up could be a multitude of things. For example, with an eating disorder, I have chosen instead to fast from the television, social media, coffee, or secular music.
The idea of this sacrifice and denial is NOT to show how religious you are or for outward reward but to refocus on God, spend intentional time in communication with Him, and draw closer to Him.
Matthew 6:16-18 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”
Now that we have the basics…
This year, I focused on removing social media and secular music from my mind for the first 21 days. The verse Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things," being at the forefront of my mind. I really wanted to be intentional in starting the year focused on God with a mind fully tuned into His words and character without distraction.
I wanted all Jesus all the time.
Fasting is a wonderful biblical discipline. It is performed to develop spiritual strength, show humility or sorrow, enhance or focus on prayer, seek spiritual guidance and so much more.
But, honestly I would argue a social media fast is beneficial for everyone at any time.
Here is why:
· In 2022 it was estimated 4.74 billion people across the world use social media, spending on average 2h and 28 minutes per day.
· Social media is used to 1. stay in touch with friends and family, 2. fill spare time, 3. read the news
· Spending more than 3 hours on social media per day puts adolescents at a higher risk for mental health problems
· It is a subtle addiction
· With the increase in popularity of social media platforms there has also been an increase in anxiety + depression, cyberbullying, and suicide
· Despite common thought studies show high social media usage increases loneliness and isolation
Need I say more? You can go online and find study after study about the negative effects of the use of social media.
It’s out there for your consumption.
Ok, well does fasting from social media really make a difference.
Before my fast, I had noticed some negative emotions nudging their way in after I had scrolled through one of the various social media platforms I engage on. At night, I would lay in bed for hours staring at my ceiling feeling anxious for nothing after my nightly scrolling ritual. During the days I would feel depressed or occasionally jealous that my life seemed simple to those on the screen. I knew it was time to break the chains of social media once again.
It had become a distraction; I was settling for the instant gratification of my insta scroll instead of spending the time wisely to grow myself and my relation with God.
A hard reset was needed.
Here are my top 5 benefits from my social media hiatus:
1. Prioritization.
To me, social media was not important, but my brain functions like most of yours and that dopamine buzz had me hooked. I have set limits and turned off notifications, but every now and then I realize I am clicking on my insta icon more than opening my Bible. By removing the looming distraction from my life, I found myself with several hours extra on a daily basis to devote my time to building the life and faith I wanted.
2. Refocusing on God.
Suddenly, I had more time on my hands and less buzzing in my head. The media induced anxiety was gone. I had clarity and could listen all the more closely for God’s soft still voice. Listening in, I finally heard clear guidance on my next steps.
3. Re-alignment of my Identity.
Social media is a HUGE platform for comparison. After removing the in-your-face highlights of people’s lives, I could really seek God’s purpose for this season. I was able to lean in and learn the why. Reminding myself that it is more important to focus on and live out what God says about me and my purpose than what society expects.
4. Renewed and Refreshed Spirit.
Life felt calmer again, all the negative tumbling emotions dissipating. I was filling up my mind with things of godliness, nobility, purity – embracing podcasts, sermons, and worship music. I came back 21 days later feeling rested and ready to re-engage social media in a healthier way.
5. I was more positive.
God really took this time to clean me out as I drew closer to Him. He allowed me to wrestle with and engage with emotions I had been hiding from or feeding with social media. He showed me His design and purpose, and He took control. No matter what social media shows, my hope is in God and it is unshakable.
So, I know you might miss some big news or lose a steak by embarking on this journey. Life will continue on, and people will keep clicking and liking even without you there. But the benefits are real.
If social media is an idol for you, or is taking up your precious God given time I would highly recommend a short fast. Refocus, recenter, realign your life with God’s plan. Take a moment to remove the distractions and lean into Him.
You won’t be disappointed.
SOURCES:
https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/study-social-media-use-linked-to-decline-mental-health
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