Digital Fast Guide
"Turn my eyes from looking at what is worthless; give me life in your ways." -Psalm 119:37 CSB
WHY SHOULD I FAST TECHNOLOGY?
We live in an age of distraction. The little computers in our pockets connect us to anyone, anywhere, anytime, and to everything else that pulls at our attention. With games, online shopping, and social media, the pull has only grown stronger. Stepping back from the technology we've become so dependent on creates space in our minds and hearts to actually hear from God, instead of settling for the numbing noise we've gotten used to.
WHERE DO I BEGIN?
Start by asking yourself which parts of technology steal the most of your attention (not your work emails), but the stuff you reach for on autopilot. Is it that game you open even in the grocery line? Scrolling social before bed? Video games that were supposed to be a quick break but somehow become hours? Or maybe the TV is always on because silence feels uncomfortable.
Take a moment to honestly look at your habits and notice what's become an escape or a distraction. That awareness is the first step.
DISTRACTION vs UTILITY
A digital fast doesn't mean we ditch all technology. The key is knowing the difference between utility and distraction. Using maps to get somewhere is totally different from opening an app that pulls you into a mindless scroll. Think about what sucks you into a time vortex versus what you use for an actual purpose. Are you watching one 30-minute news show, or is it just running in the background, getting you worked up? Does scrolling Amazon looking for a good deal pull you into feeling discontent with what you have?
When we cut out the distracting technology, we create more space to lean into God and break the cycle of needing to fill our time and mind with entertainment.
STEPS TO PREPARE (with your smartphone):
- Check your screentime: What are your most used apps? Which of those are utility and which are a distraction? Take time to do a technology inventory of your time and usage.
- Limit or remove apps: Using your phone settings, set strict limits if you do still need to use the app. But the best way to fast digitally is to completely remove the app for the time period!
- Use your computer: If you still need to use an app you removed, instead use your computer. You will rarely sit at the computer or with your laptop for hours, so make it a habit to just go to the computer when you need to look something up or make a purchase instead of getting sucked into a rabbit hole on your phone.
- Use your time wisely: Besides time with the Lord in prayer, scripture, and worship, what hobbies do you love and miss? Keep a hobby you love in sight or within arm's reach to grab instead of your phone. A puzzle on a table, a good book in your bag or by a chair. Have a new plan because your brain has been wired to grab your phone.
- Tell your people: Fasting is best in community and we can stay more accountable when we are talking about it with our people. Share the challenges, the slip ups, and the wins! It is all a part of the growth process!