Pause Before You Post
Psalm 94:19 — When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.
Sometimes the best thing you can do is close the laptop.
You can feel it when it’s time. You’re halfway through typing a response on social media when you notice your jaw a little too tight and your head is hurting.
It’s easy to get that way. Online you see this group fighting against that group. Everyone is an expert. Everybody wants to be heard, and before long, you feel the urge to jump in, take a side, and say something too.
But sometimes I see it all unfolding and think, Lord… this is not the way.
Because when I’m overwhelmed, overstimulated, or frustrated, I don’t always say the best things. I speak too quickly. I react, and that doesn’t bring life.
So, I’ve learned, as unnatural as it feels, to just close my device and go spend time with real people. At home, in a coffee shop…it doesn’t matter. I’ve realized that a real conversation is better than a comment section.
Sometimes I’ll do that. Other times, I’ll open my Bible. Better yet, I’ll do both.
There is simply something about sitting with Jesus that brings peace. His word says, “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.”
When your soul is shouting, wisdom sometimes sounds like stepping back instead of speaking up. It looks more like leaning in than lashing out.
If you’ve been overwhelmed lately, maybe it’s worth taking a day off the internet. Sit with someone you love. Say good things. Laugh at something simple and do something that’s actually good for your soul.
Because in the end, the noise online may not stop, but you can still choose which voices get to shape you.
And sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is close the laptop, open your Bible, and let the voice of Jesus be the loudest one in the room.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
- What kinds of situations tend to leave your heart feeling crowded with worry or frustration?
- How can you tell when it’s time to step away from the noise and spend time with God?
- What role does Scripture play in bringing peace to your mind and heart?
- Are there voices competing for your attention that may be drowning out God’s voice?
- What is one practical way you can make space this week for Jesus to be “the loudest voice in the room”?
