Our mobile phones have become part of our lifeline. Honestly, there are many great benefits to having these handheld devices. You can touch your fingers by ensuring your children are safe, keeping up with families around the world through social media, gathering a wide range of information, and providing educational resources to small people.
But on the other hand, they also fight against addiction, privacy risks and health issues. Unfortunately, this is causing a Huge The interference with our social interactions and the new data coming out are phenomenal and extremely unsettling at best.
Telephone Use Statistics
According to Harmony Health Carethe average American spends more than five hours on the phone every day. This has increased by 14% since 2024, with age playing a key role. Gen Z plans to spend six and a half hours on the phone every day.
“Because Gen Z spends the most time on mobile phones across all generations, they openly rely on devices, with 69% openly admitting that they are addicted. The fight to break away from mobile phones is not easy, but younger generations believe that two or more of the three-generation Z will reduce phone times, with 72% or 72% lower. Gen Z thinks about their mental health Low addiction in phone apps can improve. ” (Harmony Health Website)
The consequence of excessive use is that it leads young adults (ages 18-24) to a widespread increase in harmful emotions associated with isolation, social disconnection and anxiety. The “population of loneliness” has emerged, and it is as follows Selection subject A sacrifice to young minds and overall happiness. The good news is they want to do something about it!
So how do you move forward and navigate these times while creating healthy boundaries on your phone? I think it starts with recognizing the consequences of doing nothing. When we realize that we need to make changes and this younger generation needs guidance, we start by implementing safety measures in our homes, praying that God touches the hearts of Gen Z, and standing up to the nasty statistics with humility and courage!
Throne in front of the phone
This morning, when I was tuned to a local faith-filled radio station, I knew I was writing this for you today. This young woman humbly admits she fights her phone. (Do you think it’s ironic? I don’t think so. It was clear how she spoke. But what she said really hit a chord with me. It was simple enough, but very powerful. She boldly stated that she was trying to reach for the “throne” each morning before reaching for the phone. Oh!
I don’t know you, but my Bible isn’t always on my nightstand, but my phone definitely does. Sigh. At that moment, hearing this woman shares her struggle with such integrity made me feel truly convicted. I think it’s because I didn’t take my heart out at the beginning, but because I was still in the habit of scrolling my phone, even reading biblical poems. Reading Bible poems on your mobile phone is not necessarily a bad thing, but it can pave the way for many distractions.
So my question is What is the first thing you do when you wake up? If you reach for your phone instead of touching the base with Jesus, it may be time to rethink your morning routine. If this is a real struggle for you, then charge your phone in another room, as it is for me. That way you won’t be easily invited to the temptation to pick it up. Next, replace it with that precious Bible and proudly return it to the nightstand. Make them the first thing you see when you open those peeps.
Need more reasons to look for “throne before your phone”? Now, Jesus modelled for us the need to rise up and be quiet with God at Mark 1:35. No other reasons are really needed, but to follow his example. So, my fellow believers choose to start our day in the same way. Settle in a quiet, secluded place, and in prayer, posture your heart and communicate with God about your coming to Japan. Next, we dig into the Bible.
Create healthy boundaries
Ephesians 5:15-16 calls for followers to walk wisely and make the most of our time. The apostle Paul is urging us to live intentionally, staying in line with God’s will and being deliberately driven throughout our day. It comes with putting security guards on our time and what will take us away from God. Setting healthy boundaries around your phone is a good start.
Jesus set the boundaries of his time so that he could serve and love others better. We are called to do the same thing. Setting limits and time limits on your phone, such as turning off unnecessary notifications or creating a “no phone” zone in certain areas around your home, opens up beautiful opportunities for interaction.
Are you ready to create healthy boundaries and make your phone use more intentional? Start by seeking God’s wisdom through prayer, have family encounters and share what God lies in your heart. Don’t forget to model healthy boundaries for children in every aspect of our lives. The same goes for the phone. So, when they want to share their day, put your phone down and notice that you can see your little people. Turn off the phone at the dinner table, or teens turn the phone in the evening, protecting their hearts and minds and getting a peaceful sleep. You might also want to measure their input during family meetings and see their insights into phone restrictions. You may be surprised (and a little humble) what they have to say.
Set up your nightly routine
Setting up a nightly routine is just as important as starting your day with intention and purpose (Psalm 5:3). Bedtime routines can be easily fixed in our faith, allowing us to remain in Christ as we settle and settle in the evening.
The truth is that cell phones disrupt our natural sleep patterns and circadian rhythms by emitting blue light and glare. This naturally suppresses the sleep hormone melatonin, causing all sorts of problems ranging from sleep and eye strain to increased risk of anxiety and depression.
But changing your mindset, placing your phone a few hours before going to bed and setting up a routine that allows you to cultivate faith will induce rest for your mind, body and soul, and you can be intentionally productive the next day.
God cherishes rest and knows that our bodies need proper sleep to recharge. We find the importance of rest woven throughout the Bible. This first incident is Genesis 2:1-3, when God Himself rests after six days of creation. The Old Testament reveals that God gave His people rest in the form of a blessed gift, and declares that the Sabbath is respected in his memory, and should be used as time To rest spiritually and worship (Exodus 20:1-8).
Setting up your nightly routine is as easy as turning off your phone or other electronic devices a few hours before bedtime. Next, focus on gratitude to the Lord for everything he did. You can also dim the lights and play calming music to reassure your heart and soul and welcome rest.
Final Note
As we approach the end of another year, let’s make an annual 2026 that flips statistics and make a path towards more “throne,” better boundaries, and the nightly routine that gives our bodies more and more needed rest. Stand up to your enemy Sneas and become the warrior this broken world needs!
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Disquis
Alicia Sarle is a prayer writer, blogger and speaker, and is passionate about pouring her heart out and directing women of all ages towards Jesus. She has a Master’s degree in Educational Background and Literacy. Her favorite people call her mom. So much of her time cheers them in softball games and dance classes. She is married to a heartbeat (a tall, pointy blonde) that can whip the average latte. She sipped on the goodness of the puppy while licking her legs and writing her mind on the page. Visit her website aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.
