You Get to Choose

I can’t delete it. I can’t turn it off. I can’t stop.

Have you ever said this about something in your life? Comments like this often refer to social media and our online connection to the world around us, but this could apply to any activity we’re engaged in—shopping, bingeing a show, eating . . . you name it!

We might say “I can’t” about a lot of things, but the reality is that we get to be in control of what we believe, think, and do. We have the freedom to choose. And here’s the thing: we need to choose well. Our verse today tells us that we need to make the most of our youth. Because as far as our earthly bodies go, they will not last forever. And for everything we do—or don’t do—we will answer to God for every last bit.

So, let’s get back to our choices—specifically, back to the social media scenario. In recent years, society’s been talking a lot about the time we spend posting and scrolling and the harmful effects it has on our physical and mental health. There are even reports that staying tethered to our phones and social apps is rewiring our brains to constantly crave instant gratification—not good. Then there are the relationship issues that result from not being fully present when we’re with friends and loved ones. All of this is especially hard if you are an online influencer and feel it’s essential to continue to provide content for your followers. I’ve certainly had those concerns—that is, until I realized I was trading a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be fully attentive to my girls while they’re little for the sake of people I didn’t even know. As a result, for a period of time, I pulled back significantly from posting and have found incredible peace of mind. Is it worth it? For me, absolutely.

Now, I’m not saying I haven’t struggled. Even writing this devotional brings me a little anxiety because I am still right there with you, struggling to balance my time and focus.

What about your choices? Maybe you don’t yet have a family, so you’re choosing to focus more on your education. Perhaps you’d like to invest in yourself at your current job, or you’re taking time to develop your friendships. Or maybe you need to simply slow down, focus more on God, and choose to take better care of your body, mind, and spirit. Again, it all comes down to choice. Remember, sister, it’s not that we can’t do something—it’s that we get to choose what we do. And we need God’s wisdom for both the big life choices and the small daily habits.

What an amazing thing to discover: that we get to choose! It comes with being an adult and being responsible for yourself. And though there will always be consequences to our actions (or inactions), when we factor in the truth today’s Bible verse offers—that we won’t live forever—we realize we’re able to control what we do when we’re alive. We get to choose!

Find Your Way

Every cell phone can track how much time you spend on it. But screen time on your phone isn’t the only thing that can steal away your time and focus. Ask God to help you become aware of where you’re spending your time and energy and to track how distractions are keeping you from doing what you really want to do. Consider making a list of things you wish you could (or should!) either limit or give up. I’m not trying to guilt trip you; I’m trying to help you become more aware of the choices you’re making because everything in life is a choice.

Prayer

Father, help me to choose well as You surround me with Your wisdom so that I can know what I need to let go of, what I need to keep, and where my focus needs to be. Amen.

*1. “What Your Phone Might Be Doing to Your Brain,” UNC Health Talk, January 5, 2023, https://healthtalk.unchealthcare.org.