By Michele Eich
As I am writing this, I am in the midst of a 40-day social media fast. I have unplugged from everything which gives me more time to be with God. I am learning many lessons during this season of stillness, and I want to share some of those with you.
Before going on this fast, I could feel pressure mounting on multiple levels. I host a weekly show called “Voices of Recovery.” As a pastor, I am writing and delivering sermons every Sunday. I am the founder of Mama Bears Arise and provide daily encouragement and support to moms and grandmothers who are in the fight for their families.
On top of that, I have been dealing with some health issues. The root is elevated blood pressure. My body is trying to tell me to slow down, destress, relax, and just be. Easier said than done! I finally had to admit that I forgot to put on my oxygen mask while I was trying to rescue everyone else. I started to suffocate and couldn’t breathe.
I had really been feeling pressure from all sides, and I didn’t know how to proceed. God began speaking to my heart about a pruning. This process is painful as the Master Gardener cuts away branches that are not producing fruit. It is also difficult to say good-bye to certain “branches” that I’ve really come to enjoy. The upside to pruning is the abundant fruit that comes forth after God does His amazing work.
During this time, I felt God leading me to unplug for a season. When He told me 40 days, I was shocked initially. How am I going to do that? My coaching business, weekly show, sermons, and so on were all on social media. Beyond that, how was I supposed to know what my adult children were doing if I disconnected for a while? Ha!
Well, I obeyed. I gradually let everyone on my pages know that I would be taking a break. Then the day came, and I removed the apps from my phone and logged out of all forms of social media. It felt a little bit like untethering from the mothership. I was floating in space and completely disconnected for the first time in a decade. I must admit, however, that the silence was incredible!
It seemed a little strange at first, but as I unplugged from this noisy world, I reconnected with God. I bought a special journal with the theme of my fast that had this incredible verse on the cover. “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10 NIV). I daily write down scriptures and all the whispers of affirmation the Lord speaks to my heart.
I cannot express how amazing this break has been. Instead of spending time on everything related to social media, I am spending time with my Father. These moments with God have been so special, and He is teaching me more about myself and Him. I am able to breathe again and recognize that it is His breath in my lungs that gives me life. Understanding my dependence on the Father has been a vital reminder to my survival in these tumultuous days.
Unfortunately, I don’t have time to share all the lessons God is teaching me during this sabbatical. The one that stands out the most is that I need to become childlike again. Jesus told His disciples, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3, 4 NIV).
During the past two years, I have tried to be strong and “mama bear up.” As the world turns upside down, I want to encourage others through the turbulence, so I cannot live in fear, right? As a minister, I strive to mature in Christ and spur others to do the same. I am trying to be strong for my family and keep them safe in a world where the attacks don’t stop. During this time, I want to be courageous and bold in the face of danger and uncertainty.
What Jesus is gently reminding me to do is to become like a child again. As His daughter, I need to admit to my Father that I am weak. I desire to have that innocent faith and confidence that believes her Daddy can do anything. I must humble myself and fess up to God that I am often scared of what the future holds.
God is so amazing. When we are still and make time for Him, He reveals Himself in new and powerful ways. Our Creator gently reminds us of who He is and who we are in Him. I thought it would be so difficult to disconnect from the noise of the world. It has been just the opposite. I am hearing the voice of my Father more clearly, and to me, there’s absolutely nothing better.
Even though I am a grown woman with children, grandchildren, and many responsibilities, in this season God has reminded me that I am to become childlike and come to Him with all of my needs, hopes, and fears. My Father has reassured me that He is God, and I must be still and experience this amazing truth as His beloved daughter.
Looking for a way to connect with God daily? Check out our daily devotional books. (They make great gifts too!): Living in Truth Day by Day *** Living in Truth Mind, Body, Spirit *** Living in Truth: A Christmas Devotional
