The first time I realized I was addicted to my phone was when I couldn’t go to the bathroom without it. What a silly thought, right? What else am I supposed to do? Sit there? Exactly. Our minds aren’t meant to run on overstimulation 24/7 365 days a year, and yet that’s how many of us have lived our entire lives.
While technology is beneficial and valuable, it also comes with caveats that we all need to be aware of, especially when it applies to our relationship with God. For many, using your phone doesn’t impact your spiritual life. You get up in the morning, and the Bible app with your daily plan is the first thing you see. But if we’re truthful, most of us use our phones, but are constantly distracted, and overstimulated, our eyes veering this way and that, within minutes of waking. We mean well. We want to stay focused, but this text, that call, and twelve notifications send us spiraling out of control.
Although it will be a challenge, one of the best ways we can deepen our relationship with God is to ditch the plan on our phone and use a physical Bible. Here are three reasons I stopped using a digital Bible plan (for the most part) and why you might want to consider it too.
1. Minimizes Distraction and Receives Peace
In Proverbs 4:25-27, we read these words: “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths your feet take and choose only solid and right ones. Do not swerve to the right or the left; turn your foot away from evil” (NIV). This verse primarily refers to staying on the right path of life—living by God’s commands and not straying from His guidance. However, this wisdom can also be applied to distractions.
We all face distractions in this life. For some, it’s the endless stream of YouTube reels and videos. For others, it’s being busy, constantly multitasking, or believing the lie that Task A doesn’t really need as much attention as Task B. When we pursue two things at once, however, or are easily distracted by pings, noises, and external noise, we need to take action.
Living in a world with constant technology only amplifies this struggle. Don’t get me wrong, I adore the Bible app. I love reading God’s Word in different versions, languages, and audio styles. The plans are excellent. However, upon closer inspection of my life and habits, I’ve come to realize that I need to write down my physical reading plan on a piece of paper and hold a tangible Bible in those first moments of waking. Only after I’ve prayed and read the Word I hold will I use my phone for additional reading.
If that sounds extreme to you, that’s okay. Everyone is different. But what I’ve learned in minimizing distractions is that my physical Bible needs to mean more to me than the to-dos on my phone every morning. The peace I receive from holding the physical Word of God will never compare to what I receive scrolling on a screen.
2. Encourages Physically Holding the Word of God and Hearing His Voice
In the Old Testament, God frequently spoke to people. Moses, Noah, and Aaron, to name a few, heard the voice of God. People like Joseph or Jeremiah also testified. Today, however, the voice of God isn’t audibly heard very often. It does happen, but God primarily speaks through His Word (the Bible), His Church, and His people. And I’m thankful for that.
One thing that helps me hear God’s voice better is by physically holding His Word. Holding my Bible reminds me of two things: 1. This is a privilege not everyone has, and 2. It allows me to open my ears and eyes wider to hear. In both Psalm 95:7-8 and Hebrews 3:7-8; 4:7, God’s people are told to listen to His voice openly. Why? Because we all tend to harden our hearts, get distracted, and stray from the Lord. He’s the Shepherd and we’re His flock, but we need to be willing to listen and respond to what He says.
There’s a stern reminder in Psalm 85:8, which reads: “Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly” (NIV). If reading a physical Bible helps you to hear God, respond, and avoid folly, then so be it. While digital Bibles are still valuable and essential (and I’m not swearing off their use altogether), there’s nothing like holding the breath of God in your palm as He speaks over you.
3. Helps Me Slow Down And Start My Day Without My Phone, and Start the Day Feeling Energized Instead of Drained
Using a physical Bible instead of reaching for my phone as soon as the rooster crows helps me start my day by slowing down. Instead of feeling discombobulated, I feel rested, energized, and ready to dive into necessary tasks. Here’s why:
Using a physical Bible, journal, and a Bible plan I’ve written helps me focus on what’s in front of me. I can slow down, take time to truly study the Scriptures, and look at the Word in front of me. Unlike my phone, my Bible isn’t updating and sending me notifications every few minutes. Instead of leaving my quiet time feeling drained, discouraged, and frustrated, I’m able to leave rested and refreshed.
When I was a high school English teacher, I treasured my weekend Bible times. Why? Because I didn’t feel hurried or rushed. I could sit in the Word. I could soak in the Word. I could let it saturate my soul. As an author, I create my own schedule. I still need to prioritize reading Scripture, but my morning quiet times have taken on a different look.
While I know this isn’t possible for everyone, I encourage you to read the physical Word at a time that suits you best. If that’s before bed, that’s great. Suppose it’s in the middle of the day after work, even better. You and God can work out the details. What matters is that you’re dedicated to being focused, intentional, and in the moment. It may take practice, but reading the Bible and learning to hear God’s voice should be a sacred, unhurried practice.
Practical Steps You Can Take
If you want to grow closer to the Lord and hear His voice more distinctly, here are some practical steps you can try today:
-Use your Bible app to select a Bible reading plan. Then, write down the readings for each day. Read those readings in your physical Bible and only use audios, meditations, commentaries, or devotionals after you’ve prioritized the Word. These things are great, but they should be supplemental to the Word of God.
-Before reaching for your phone in the morning, go for your Bible. I know that not everyone may have a physical Bible, but if you do, remember that this is a truly blessed privilege. Try putting your Bible near your phone so that when you’re tempted to reach for it, you’ll exchange it for your Bible instead.
-Dedicate space and time to hearing the Word of God, listening, and then learning to respond. Every morning, evening, or at a time that works best for you, set a timer for 5-10 minutes. Pour out your heart, but then set aside an extra 5-10 minutes to hear. Your mind will wander, but focus on Jesus and what He wants to speak to you in that moment.
No matter which practice you try, my challenge is for you to try using your physical Bible. Even for just 30 days, give it a try. See if your spiritual life improves and ask a friend, family member, or spouse to keep you accountable.
Photo credit: Unsplash/Aaron Burden
Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.
