Fasting from Social Media

Going to medical school, in some ways, is like going back to high school with school every day again. It’s a change from the style of learning you’ve become accustomed to. Additionally, you may have more classes at once than you had during college.  However, the amount of information you have to know (and the detail to which you are expected to know it) makes college seem like it was a walk in the park. However, we are encouraged to look for activities that will help reduce stress other than studying and I can’t deny that social media is on top of my list. It’s one of the most effective stress-reducing activities for me. When I’m too tired to function and then try to scroll my feed on Instagram, I become awake and energetic instantaneously. Haha. Amazing how it can also save you from dozing off. But, I didn’t realize that social media was also one of the reasons why I always compare myself and still feel inadequate in my abilities as a friend, sister, classmate, and daughter.

Social media was also one of the reasons why I’m so addicted to beauty products (nothing wrong with trying to look good and feel good) because I love hearing people compliment me especially my eyebrows (Lol! Sanguine problems.), and I hate to admit that it’s the reason why I’m so addicted to online shopping. I always purchase clothes and things thrice a month and wouldn’t mind if I’m carrying an empty wallet. Other than that, I was surprised to know that I can survive eating once or twice a daily for a person who really has a big appetite. All of these things are the work of the enemy. I knew what I did was unhealthy but I still continued doing it.

One day, God spoke to me through His word in – Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Phew! Those words felt like a sharp arrow pierced right through my heart real bad. How often was I so focused on pursuing the so-called good life that I lose sight of eternal life? Am I building up earthly treasure, or am I storing up treasures in heaven? How then do I, as a woman of God, respond to this?

But it was crystal clear in the Bible that the Lord rewards those “that diligently and earnestly seek Him” (Heb. 11:6). We seek Him not only by studying and searching, by pleading and praying, but by giving up worldly indulgences that straddle the line between God and mammon. Otherwise we risk being called but not chosen because our hearts are set so much upon the things of this world. From then on, I decided to start fresh and challenged myself to fast from social media (Thanks for my friend, Gwen). For most of my reformed life, I have been anti-fasting and I couldn’t imagine my life without it. I never thought I would survive but by God’s grace, I did!

During the month of February, I decided to fast from social media but then it turns out that planning to do it was harder than I thought. So what I did was to minimize the time of using it. A 30 to 45-minute of surfing would be enough for my study break. Weeks after that I gave up (LOL) just because I can’t live life without internet. Haha. Around the month of November, I decided to completely eliminate Social Media for a month. It wasn’t easy but when you are really determined to do it, You will be surprised.

Why fast? Fasting is basically elimination. When you do this, it’s like you are eliminating the junk and would allow space for God to move in. It’s like cleaning your closet and you notice all these cute things you haven’t been wearing because they were stuffed behind your daily uniform. We’re like that, so busy storing earthy treasures that we fail to see what God has in store for us. Getting away from the clutter of life gave me more time to spend with God. It developed my inner beauty even more. I learned a lot of things for this month. Fasting really taught me how to be disciplined and balanced.God does bless and favor those who sacrifice for His glory.

What about you? Have you tried social media fasting? Feel free to share your experience.