Time With Jesus Before Screen Time

Time With Jesus Before Screen Time:

You sit down to pray, but somehow, you’re on Instagram 3 minutes later. It happens to the best of us.

The Distraction Dilemma

Distraction isn’t just a discipline problem. It’s often a symptom of unmet spiritual hunger.

“Be still, and know that I am God.”
—Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

We live in a world that never stops talking. Notifications ding, reels scroll endlessly, and timelines update by the second. We are more connected than ever, but often feel more distant from Jesus and ourselves. Social media, while not inherently evil, can easily become a constant distraction pulling us away from what truly matters, our relationship with Jesus.

If we’re honest, most of us have experienced the pull: “I’ll read my Bible after I check Instagram…” or “I’ll pray later, let me just respond to a few messages first.” Before we know it, an hour has slipped by, and our spiritual nourishment is pushed to tomorrow’s to-do list.

3 Simple Ways to Refocus

1. Use a guided prayer journal.
2. Pray out loud to stay focused.
3. Set a 5-minute timer and build up slowly.

The Better Portion

In Luke 10:38–42, we meet two sisters: Mary and Martha. While Martha was distracted with all her preparations, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, soaking in His words. Jesus lovingly reminded Martha that only one thing was necessary, and Mary had chosen the better portion.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed, or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
— Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)

This story hits close to home. Our modern “preparations” might not be cooking and cleaning, but rather scrolling and clicking. The lesson is still the same: choose the better portion.

Why Bible Study and Prayer Matter

Time in the Word and prayer doesn’t just check a spiritual box; it strengthens your foundation, renews your mind, and aligns your heart with Jesus’s.

• Bible Study reminds us of the truth in a world full of lies.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105

• Prayer centers us in communion with our Heavenly Father.

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” — Colossians 4:2

The enemy knows the power of a focused believer, which is why distractions often show up strongest when we try to spend time with Jesus.

Practical Ways to Quiet the Noise

If you’re struggling to focus, here are a few practical tips:

1. Create a Sacred Space – Designate a specific spot for your quiet time. Forget bringing your phone or laptop; bring only your Bible and a journal.
2. Set a Digital Boundary – Try apps that limit screen time or set your phone on “Do Not Disturb” during Bible study.
3. Schedule Jesus First – Don’t fit Jesus in, build your day around Him. Morning, noon, or night, prioritize that appointment.
4. Start Small but Stay Consistent – 10 focused minutes with Jesus is better than an hour distracted.

A Daily Choice

Choosing Bible study and prayer over social media isn’t just about discipline; it’s about desire. When we realize the gift we’ve been given to access the Creator of the universe, the allure of a screen fades in comparison.

Each day, you have a choice: to scroll through the noise or sit at the feet of Jesus.

Let’s choose what is better, putting Jesus first before screen time.

Resources to Help:

• A Deeper Walk with Christ: 7-Day Mini Devotional
• I’ll Do It Tomorrow: Bible Study
• Scripture cards for quick meditation

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
—Colossians 4:2 (NIV)

Prayer:

Lord, help me to quiet the noise around me and within me. Give me a hunger for Your Word and a desire to seek You above all else. Teach me to be still in Your presence and to choose what truly matters. In Jesus’ name, Amen.