Via TJC
“Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.”
Psalms 51:8 NIV
Have you ever misread scripture? I was reading Psalm 51 with a TJC brother and we misread Psalm 51:8 as “Let me hear joy and gladness; let the “phones” you have crushed rejoice.” After a quick laugh, we focused on what we just said, “let the “phones” you have crushed rejoice…” Our phones are a helpful tool, but in many cases they have become more like an appendage. We talked about where/how we get our info. We have the history of the world at our fingertips. We can be “liked” and (and criticized) by people across the globe. Tools are wonderful inventions but even the most noble tool, can be abused,and cause harm.
Psalm 51 is david’s heart cry of repentance - turning away from evil and changing habits. What if our phone usage is crushed and we seek wisdom with its joy and gladness through the word?
In an age where we should be more connected and more informed, our phones seemingly enable us more isolated and divided. At the TJC retreats this year, we committed to taking a fast from our phones. It was hard at first, but after a few hours of digital separation, it was like the “phones were crushed” freedom was restored, and we rejoiced!
Daily Battle Order:
Set aside time today to intentional put the phone down. Start with 30 mins, put the phone in “Do Not Disturb” mode. Each time you flinch to check the screen bend that thought and instead reflect on a person, prayer, or praise as worship. You will be surprised by how many praises and prayers you offer in just 30 mins!