This is a new post for April’s series: R.A.W. (Real.Authentic.Wrecked.)
The Word is true when it says that obedience is better than sacrifice. We can give so much of ourselves in the name of the Lord that we don’t give ourselves completely, but what’s left of us. With that in mind I took on this social media fast in March for several reasons as I shared in my last post, but the benefits? Oh, the benefits.
Upon starting the fast I began to see things change within 24 hours. Here are some of the benefits I got from my social media break that you can get too:
Peace: This was an immediate benefit that I didn’t expect to have for most of the fast. I didn’t have to think so much about what to post or check others’ posts because I was logged out. I really thought I’d have FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) but that feeling didn’t last long at all. God gives you a peace when you intentionally cut out the noise around you.
Breaking the addiction to social media: It takes time to develop a habit and time to break a habit. I used social media a crutch and a getaway from my everyday life when I could have been using it as a tool for good. I still have the habit of checking my phone for notifications at random, so this is a process I’m willing to go through to break any ungodly ties to social media usage.
Spending more time with God: This was a definite benefit for me. I used my free time during the fast to read the book of John. Although I only got through chapter 1, I was able to focus on the scriptures and accompanying verses in the text to really digest what was going on. It was a blessing and made me appreciate God and His word more this way than just reading it on a devotional or reading quickly.
Hearing clearer from God: This was one of my favorite benefits. I don’t usually get dreams from God but I saw and heard things clear as day about my future and I immediately woke up and wrote it all down. I was amazed and still am about that moment, and the other moments in between. Your sensitivity to God’s presence and press increases when you fast; I don’t want to go backwards but forwards with this.
Developed self image: I actually gained some confidence and more boldness if you will during the break. I look forward to sharing more of that in content in the near future, to share more of myself, my personality and unapologetic self. As I shared in Journey to 30, I want to live this life as God leads, without fear or apology for the unique story He has written out for me.
I want to live this life as God leads, without fear or apology for the unique story He has written out for me.
Increased productivity: Less time off of my device meant more time for work. I was able to have more time for cooking, time with my sister and family in Christ, a photoshoot, reading, booking more speaking engagements, and even meeting my local alderman. What will you be able to do with more time from a social media fast?
Fighting the craving to share everything: I don’t do this much already, but going on a social media fast or break can curb the desire to share everything that you go through in the day. You can be real but still strategic, effective and engaging. Share content with intention and purpose, even if it’s a foodie pic like I share from time to time. I realized I don’t have to share that much of my every moment as it happens, but take the lesson from the moment and perhaps share when it’s time to do so.
I want to enjoy the present, and I’m still getting to that place of contentment in the now while trusting God to blow my mind with my future.
Now that I’m back on my personal accounts it feels weird a little bit still and at the start of April I was even fearful about coming back. I wanted to stay a little longer off the grid, but I had some promotions to share last week. Overall I do not regret it at all and would do it again as the Lord leads.
If you’ve done a social media fast before, what were the benefits that you got from it?
