Jesus reminds us that life is about more than physical needs—it’s about being nourished by God’s Word. What we are “consuming” spiritually impacts our faith, whether we realize it or not.
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.
Matthew 4:1-4
He fasted for forty days and forty nights, after which he was famished.
Then the tempter approached him and said, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to be transformed into loaves of bread.”
Jesus answered,
“As written; ‘Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.‘”
Being Mindful of What We Take In
I tell myself that scrolling through social media is a way to relax, but when I check the time afterward, I’m left wondering—was it really?
I’ll admit, relaxation isn’t the feeling I come away with. More often than not, I feel drained, like I just wasted the last 10, 15, or even 60 minutes.
Isn’t it strange how time flies when we’re distracted like this?
I’m not saying that all phone scrolling is “bad” – but I would like to invite you to try a little experiment with me.
Replacing Spiritual “Junk Food” with Scripture, Prayer, and Worship
What if we replaced mindless scrolling with spending time journaling or praying our thoughts to God?
When I take just 20 minutes at the end of my day to read scripture, listen to a prayer, or engage with a faith-based podcast, I notice a shift in my mental space.
Instead of feeling drained, I feel recharged, grounded, and connected.
Thankfully, there are great resources available today that make this easier than ever. Faith-based apps offer scripture, prayer, and podcasts at the swipe of a finger—just like social media, but for our souls.
📌 Here are two apps I’ve personally found helpful:
- Ascension Press App – Offers a variety of free prayers and podcasts
- Hallow App – Includes faith-based reflections and guided prayer (with a subscription option)
(By the way, I’m not affiliated with either app—just sharing what has helped me!)
If you’re hesitant about ditching the scrolling, why not dip your toes in and see how it feels? Both of these apps offer a free trial, giving you a chance to explore them without commitment.
👉 Not interested in using an app? No problem! Try one of these simple alternatives instead:
- Simply close your eyes for a few moments, take a deep breath, and talk to God in your heart.
- Grab a notebook or start an email thread to yourself and jot down your prayers or reflections.
- Open your Bible (or find a free Bible resource online) and read a few verses.
Practical Ways to Incorporate God’s Word Into Daily Life
If you’re not sure where to start, start small. God will meet you where you are—He’s been waiting for you in a place of love, not pressure.
Try simply opening your heart and being honest:
📖 “Father, I don’t know where to begin, and I need Your help.”
Tell Him your struggles, and thank Him for where you are today.
In addition to using faith-based apps, journaling can be a powerful way to connect with God. Writing down our thoughts helps us process emotions, and in doing so, we create a dialogue with our Heavenly Father.
Whether you put it on paper or pray silently in your heart, remember:
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father, who sees everything that is done in secret, will reward you.” – Matthew 6:6
God is listening. Always.
A Simple Meditation/Prayer Practice
If you’re looking for an easy way to shift your focus from distractions to intentional time with God, try this simple experiment:
📌 Step 1: Choose a time of day when you would normally scroll on your phone.
📌 Step 2: Do a quick self check-in:
- How do I feel right now?
- If I had to rate my mood from 1-5, what would it be?
📌 Step 3: Set a timer for 5-15 minutes.
📌 Step 4: Choose an activity:
- Listen to a prayer on a faith-based app
- Play a Christian podcast
- Grab your journal and write a short prayer or reflection
- Open your Bible and read a few verses
- Sit in silence and talk to God
📌 Step 5: When your timer goes off, take a moment to reflect:
- How do I feel now?
- If I had to rate my mood from 1-5, did it shift?
📌 Step 6: Give thanks
- Thank Him for three things in your life.
- Thank yourself for choosing to spend time with God.
Final Thoughts: Finding Balance
Scrolling on our phones isn’t always a negative habit, but learning to balance how we spend our time is key. If spending time with God isn’t yet part of your daily routine, this is a great place to start.
I’d love to hear how this works for you! If you try this experiment a few times a week, let me know—did you notice a difference in how you feel? What other ways do you like to connect with God in your daily life?
Let’s grow together! 💛
App Recommendations
📌 Ascension App – Try the Rosary in a Year podcast or Fr. Mike’s Homilies
📌 Hallow App – Daily Reflections with Jeff Cavins or Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz
Pen and Polish 