Social media, videos, and movies have become the popular go-to for:

• relaxation
• entertainment
• boredom-alleviation
• recreation
• anxiety-relief
• cheering up

Using technology to chill-out does work. But then it stops working and often makes everything worse than before. Why is that? It isn’t true rest.

What Is True Rest?

The kinds of activities that will bring you the most rest, and reduce the angst and discouragement in your life are the ones that take you closest to truth, purpose, and fulfillment.

All other rest points to the Ultimate Rest with Him. (Heb. 4:9)

Examples

• Being observational in God’s creation
• Expressing yourself artistically, creatively, musically, etc.
• Reading/listening to/contemplating the Word of God or books that lead you to a greater sense of Godly self-worth
• Writing out prayers or having conversations with others that put a focus on Christ and others, and not on yourself
• Serving/caring/advocating for others according to your Spiritual gifting and out of obedience to the Lord – not out of duty
• Creating structure/spiritual disciplines (such as having a prayer list, Bible reading plan, enjoyable podcast library, etc.)
• Choosing to intentionally invest in Godly relationships and in the fellowship of the Body of Christ
• Selecting pleasurable auditory choices (music, listening to the rain, etc.)
• Engaging in various kinds of physical exercise or activity
• Journaling your hopes and dreams
• Doing a puzzle, playing games, gardening, knitting, and other types of kinesthetic (or pre-technology-age) activities
• Having a jar or list of “My True-Rest Favorites” so that you select from these options when you’re too tired to think of them

What About Technology?

But what about the pleasures of snuggling in front of a movie, laughing at a meme, or connecting through a text or Facebook? Can’t technology be good for a weary spirit? Yes – but only when it’s kept in a proper order.

• Set aside times to be media-free
• Use technology as an add-on to true rest and not as an escape
• Know your weaknesses in the area of technology and have accountability in place to keep it in check
• Decide your intentionality with each area of technology (texting, social media, movies, etc.) and have a plan to stick to it
• Regularly review your technology plan and determine if anything needs to change (Maybe ask yourself these questions: “What’s the purpose for browsing social media this often?” or “What results would I like to obtain from my free time?” or “Is following this account causing me to compare myself to others and feel bad about myself?”)

I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother. Like a weaned child, is my soul within me. (Psalm 131:2)