I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. Selah. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.
Psalm 3:4-6
When we are overwhelmed or afraid, we can find rest and peace in Christ.
Social media is filled with noise. Political rants, news of violence and incivility, and even photos and videos that have little benefit fill our screens and minds. Though social media has good features, we weren’t made to intake so much content. When it all feels overwhelming, take a step away from social media and turn your attention to God. Make space to listen to him and focus on his words.
The Bible shows that rest is a good and necessary thing. In fact, in the Old Testament, commandments regarding the practice of rest are central to God’s covenant with Israel. In the Ten Commandments, God instructs Israel to rest on the seventh day because God rested after the creation of the world (Exodus 20:8-11). God also commanded the Israelites to let their land rest every seven years, and in the Year of Jubilee, promising divine provision for their obedience (Leviticus 25:1-7). Even God himself, who had no need for rest, rested after six days creating the world, as an example for us to rest.
The refrain of rest gets repeated in the New Testament, as well. In farming cultures, heavy yokes are used to pair animals so they can share the burden of work together. In the book of Matthew, Jesus tells us we should “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29 NKJV). In this context, Jesus’s yoke makes our burden lighter. It is a sign of authority, but also of his gentle guidance, and a promise of rest if we place ourselves in God’s care.
When we’re burdened by troubles, stress, and exhaustion, Psalms from David and other writers remind us to rest in the Lord. David’s life was filled with hardship as Saul hunted and tried to kill him, but David gave his troubles to God:
“I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. Selah. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.” (Psalm 3:4-6 NKJV).
We can acknowledge God’s sovereignty and rest in him, even in the way we approach social media. One way could be making mini-Sabbaths: turning off notifications at a certain point in the day, or not checking social media on Sundays. Find a practice that genuinely helps you and comes from your heart. Remember that “every good gift comes from God” (James 1:17). Social media can be redeemed. You can be a person of peace in your posts and tweets. You can post things that are lovely, uplifting, and encouraging (Philippians 4:8), giving your friends and followers a breather in an otherwise clamorous digital scene.
You can also rest by reading your Bible, journaling your prayers, or simply talking with God. Spend time in nature, chat with an encouraging friend, or play a song that reorients your heart toward Christ. Remember that despite the constant stream of content and negativity from social media, events in daily life, or stressful people or situations, you can find rest and peace in God.
