Help, I love my Bible app but hate getting distracted from my phone

Finding Balance: Navigating Technology with Faith at the Forefront

The Common Struggle

In today's world, smartphones have become almost inseparable from our daily lives, presenting a unique challenge for most Christians. The convenience of having a Bible app at your fingertips is undeniable, offering the ability to connect with the Word of God at any moment. That's the power of technology. However, this blessing also comes with a challenge: the temptation of endless scrolling and the distractions of a digital world that can easily veer us away from the most important people and things in life.

A Moment of Realization

Imagine starting your day with the intention of dedicating time to reading Scripture and devotion, only to find yourself lost in the whirlwind of pings and dings from social media, news, and apps. Sound too familiar? Same here.

I know at this point many have even considered switching to a flip phone or dumbphone, one that doesn't have as many apps, pings and dings, and has a really tiny screen. That is a viable option that has helped many believers fight distraction and focus on the Lord. However, the truth is that not everyone will make the switch.

It really just reveals a need for us to seek a healthier relationship with technology without compromising spiritual nourishment.

Steps Towards Transformation

The journey to a balanced digital life doesn't involve renouncing technology altogether but rather, adopting strategies to use it more mindfully. Here are some steps that can guide you towards a more focused and meaningful digital experience:

1. Embrace Intentional Screen Time

Utilize the built-in features of smartphones to monitor and limit screen time. By blocking distracting apps from being able to be used in the morning or late at night, you can instead use that time to read the Bible or join in on a devotional reading app. And, those other apps that tend to distract you will still be there ready to be used after scheduled focus time.

2. Discover the Monochrome Method

Switching your phone's display to black and white can significantly reduce its allure, making it easier to resist the temptation of non-essential apps. This simple change can help maintain focus on what truly matters, diminishing the distractions of vibrant colors of social media and games. And, the world around you becomes more colorful than the screen.

3. Rethink Notifications

Evaluate which notifications are truly necessary and which serve only as distractions. By limiting your phone to alert you only for the most important notifications, you can minimize interruptions during prayer, Bible study, or other moments of spiritual reflection. A good rule of thumb is to turn off notifications that do not come directly from a human. If it's an app reminding you to use it, it's safe to turn off that notification and have one less ping in your pocket.

4. Create a Digital Sanctuary

Organize your apps so that your Bible app and other helpful resources are easily accessible, making them the first thing you see when you unlock your phone. This digital "sanctuary" sets a positive and focused tone for your phone usage, helping bring a visual reminder of what's most important when using the phone. Delete apps that you do not use daily or often. You can always re-download an app when you need it (given you have enough data), but this approach can help you keep your phone experience slim, focused, and undistracted.

Embracing a Continuous Journey

You're not going to go through this article or one similar and have all your digital distractions gone. Because even when the distractions are gone, you still have to be able to learn what to do with the free-time, what to do with the silence, and replace the times you would spend distracted with something more meaningful.

And, you're probably going to relapse at times and fall into distraction and even crave it at times. But, God is good and can remind you to recognize your distraction and seek His face, so that you can continue using technology responsibly. Tech can be a gift, as long as it's not your Lord. Jesus is Lord.

Purposeful Technology Use

By taking a little time and effort to pre-decide how we use our phones, we can transform them into powerful tools for connecting with God, with community, and enriching our faith. Think about how the YouVersion Bible app has reached over 500+ million devices at the time of writing this. God can do infinitely more than we can ask, think or imagine with tech. So, let's commit to using it responsibly and enjoying the benefits it provides.

If you are one of the people who have increased anxiety and stress when using your phone and just want to get rid of it for a simpler experience, then I recommend you check out the best dumbphone replacements.

And, if you like your smartphone but want to pair it down and simplify it, then check out this resource to find apps that help you reduce screen time.