5/5/2025

How do you deal with all the unrest perpetuated by social media?  There are comments that are unkind or condemning.  There are political rants that are harsh.  There is incivility and rudeness.  There are falsehoods and lies.

Social media may have good features, but its flood of information and opinions can threaten to overwhelm.  When that occurs, intentionally step away from social media and turn your attention to God to find rest.  Carve out time in your life to listen to words of Scripture to cultivate a spirit of non-anxiousness and peacefulness within you.

When you’re burdened by upsets, stress, exhaustion, Scripture can remind you to rest in the Lord.  David, whose life was filled with hardship as Saul hunted and tried to kill him, gave his troubles to God.  He declared:

I call out to the Lord.  He answers me from his holy mountain.  I lie down and sleep.  I wake up again, because the Lord takes care of me.  I won’t be afraid even though tens of thousands attack me on every side.  Psalm 3:4-6 (NIRV)

One way to cultivate rest in the Lord is to take mini-breaks from social media, for example, turning off notifications at a certain point in the day or not checking social media on certain days.  Find a practice that genuinely helps you and comes from your heart.

Social media can be redeemed.  You can be a person of peace in your posts and tweets.  You can post things that are uplifting and encouraging, giving your friends and followers a breather in an otherwise deafening digital space. 

When it comes to social media, keep your attention focused on the Lord.  Paul writes:

Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.  From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise.  Philippians 4:7-8 (CEB)

Instead of being consumed by social media, find rest by reading your Bible and journaling your prayers.  Spend time in nature.  Have meaningful conversation with a caring friend.  Play a song that reorients your heart toward Christ.

Despite the constant stream of content from social media, you can find rest and peace in God.

-Michael