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Let’s face it, being connected today is constant but true connection is rare. We scroll, swipe, and stream our way through the day, but somehow still feel spiritually dry. If youโve ever felt like your quiet time with God is competing with your screen time, youโre not alone.
Iโve been there too. One minute, Iโm opening my Bible app with the best intentions. Next thing you know, a notification pops up and suddenly Iโm down a rabbit hole of reels, emails, or group chats. Before I know it, the moment has passed, and my spirit still feels restless.
Thatโs why Iโve been leaning into intentional tools that help me not only unplug from tech, but replug into truth. Because weโre not just battling distraction, weโre battling spiritual disconnection. But thereโs good news: you donโt need a silent retreat or a cabin in the woods to refocus. You can start right where you are, with whatโs in your hand.
Here are some of the tools and simple shifts Iโve found incredibly helpful in the digital age to nurture a deeper walk with God:
1. Unplugging Devotionals That Speak to Your Soul
If your devotional life has started to feel like a rushed checklist, consider a fresh tool that invites you to pause, reflect, and breathe. One resource thatโs helped me lately is my own new devotional called “Anchored: A Devotional for Distraction-Free Days.” It was born from my own wrestle with mental noise, tech overload, and a desire for deeper spiritual focus.
Itโs gentle but challenging, full of Scripture-based reflections and practical prompts to help you reset your attention. I wrote it for people like usโwho love God but are honestly overwhelmed. You can check it out here.
Other great devotionals to explore:
- “Be Still: 90 Devotions for the Hopeful Heart”๐
- “Get Out of Your Head” by Jennie Allen ๐
- “New Morning Mercies” by Paul David Tripp ๐
These help you start your day grounded before the world gets loud.
2. Screen Time Timers or App Blockers
Yes, tech can be part of the solution too. I use a simple app blocker to limit access to certain social media apps during my quiet time. Some favorites include:
- Freedom โ lets you schedule distraction-free hours. ๐
- Clear Focus โ time-management app which helps you being more productive. ๐
- ScreenZen โ encourages mindful scrolling and break reminders. ๐
Setting these digital boundaries has allowed me to create intentional space for prayer, journaling, or worship without the constant pull of the online world.
3. Phone Lock Boxes (Yes, Really)
It may sound extreme, but hear me out. Sometimes you need a physical boundary to honor your spiritual priorities. A phone lock box (like the ones used for families at dinner time) can help you put the phone away for a solid hour or two.
** A little personal note: My 20 something daughter actually switched to a flip phone to discipline her scrolling! Way to go!!…don’t think I could do thattt ๐๐ซค
Options to consider:
Thereโs something powerful about physically placing your distractions out of reach. Itโs like a visible act of surrender that says, โGod, I want to be with You right now, not my feed.โ
4. Create a Sacred Space, No Matter How Small
You donโt need a Pinterest-perfect prayer closet. Even a small corner with a candle, your Bible, and a notebook can become your meeting place with God. The key is consistency over aesthetics.
Items to consider:
- Cozy blanket or floor pillow ๐
- Faith-based wall art ๐
- Quiet instrumental worship playlist ๐
Just like we set aside space for work or entertainment, our spiritual life deserves a designated space too.
5. Journals and Notebooks That Encourage Reflection
Thereโs something about putting pen to paper that helps declutter the heart. Try:
- Guided prayer journals ๐
- Blank notebooks with encouraging covers ๐
- Faith-based gratitude journals ๐
Journaling your prayers, questions, or answered prayers helps keep your walk rooted in reflectionโnot just consumption.
6. Digital Detox Challenges or Sabbath Days
Once a week, take a tech Sabbath. No phone, no email, no social scroll. Just rest, read, and recharge. Invite your family or a friend to join you in this practice and see what changes.
Pair your Sabbath with:
- A good devotional
- A nature walk
- A slow meal
- A worship playlist
This isnโt about legalismโitโs about liberation. Creating rhythms that restore instead of deplete.
In Closing: Start Where You Are
You donโt need to throw out your phone or cancel the internet. Just take one small step today toward quiet. Toward presence. Toward peace.
Ask yourself: Whatโs one tool I can use today to make more space for God?
The world wonโt stop buzzing, but you can pause. And in that pause, youโll hear something better than a notificationโyouโll hear the gentle voice of God reminding you: You are mine. Be still. Iโve got you.
You donโt have to disconnect from the world foreverโbut you do need moments where the only connection that matters is the one with your Creator.
Youโve got this, friend.๐
