Drawing Closer to God (Part 2) by Liz Melville

We spoke last about God’s beautiful invitation to be still in our lives and simply know him. Women, especially, can have a difficult time putting this into practice. 

Practically, when I’m struggling to be still in God’s presence, I know it’s time to take inventory of my life, especially how I’m spending my time. After all the busyness of the holidays, I decided to start 2025 with a social media detox. Here’s what God is teaching me: 

• The things of this world grow appropriately dim as God is exalted in my world. Everything else feels like background noise. I can hear His still small voice. I spend so much more time in prayer, especially to start my day. 
• Practically, I spend much less money than usual when I’m not engaging with social media. The Instagram algorithm knows me and my weaknesses well. I reduce impulsive spending (hello, dopamine hits!), which flows back upstream to curb selfish desires for more. Who doesn’t want to cultivate contentment? 
• I have to sit in my discomfort, not having escapism as an easy option. Instead of shoving my feelings down, I took hard things to God. It made me wonder, how many times have I vented on social media or found catharsis with others when God would have delighted me bringing my heart to Him for resolution and wisdom. 
• When I want to know what is happening with my friends, I must reach out. Rather than being a fly on the wall (as it feels with social media), I have to text or call or jump on video messaging apps, like Marco Polo. 
• I am more present with my children. I connect with loved ones through family worship, puzzles, outdoor activities, stories, playtime, etc. 
• I read more books, including the Bible. I make reading goals every year, hoping to improve annually. Without the temptation of the never-ending scroll, I have time to enrich my brain, which in turn improves my attention span. 

Have you considered a social media fast? Maybe you’ve completed one in the past and have resumed normal online habits. I’d encourage you to set a rhythm where you spend intentional time away from these platforms each year (maybe quarterly) with the goal of learning to be still in God’s presence.When you do, pay attention to—maybe even journal—what God is revealing to you. This year’s Lent (the 40-day period leading up to Easter) will begin March 5 and end April 17. This is a great opportunity to get still with God and beg for Him to unburden you from frivolous time-wasters. Know that He is God. Listen to Him. Learn more about Him and, as a result, grow in your love for Him. 

You might be surprised what the God of the universe will reveal to you during this special time of setting aside that which is distracting, or your striving, and prioritizing time at the feet of your Lord.

Guest Contributor: Liz Melville