My daughters are young mothers with five little girls between them. Recently, both of them deleted their Facebook accounts. They decided to “social distance” from “social media” and detach from the divisive diversions of mass culture. My youngest daughter described social media as making her feel scattered.
That resonated with me. My life, like yours, has been interrupted by a pandemic. Yet, with an abundance of alone time, I too am more scattered than ever. You think it would be the opposite. But a quick glance at social media often turns into a lost hour or two, and most the time it makes my blood pressure rise. And honestly, I’ve let it fracture my writing and quiet time.
Multiple studies link heavy social media usage with an increased risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts. The list of mental health issues caused by living under the stress of Covid-19 reads the same. Many of us are having a really difficult time right now, and we seem to compound it by getting sucked into the noise the world is making.
Now, more than ever in our lifetime, we need to be diligent, and awake to the difference between information and wisdom.
Zechariah tells us: Smite the Shepherd and the sheep shall be scattered. I believe that is what is happening. The enemy is working overtime devising devious ways to smite our Shepherd. Satan is creating so much noise, from anarchist mobs, to constant attacks on conservative values, and even silly divisions over our right to wear a mask or not.
All distractions designed to scatter us from our Savior.
Luke 24 teaches about two disciples of Jesus who walked to a village called Emmaus three days after the crucifixion. Cleopas, and his unnamed companion, with sand crunching under their sandals, conversed and reasoned together. They were so preoccupied, so scattered by current events, that when a stranger asked to walk with them, they didn’t recognize Jesus in their midst.
Conversely, Mary Magdalene watched Jesus die. She stood firm afterward while all other followers scattered. This steadfast expectation of what was to come showed her unwavering, devout discernment. She remained at the tomb, received the first visit from our risen Lord, and gave the other followers the good news. She stayed focused on the Shepherd, even when all seemed lost.
We have to show our own devout discernment more now than ever. We need to identify what scatters us, and realize its only tricksy noise the enemy is making. He’s trying to scatter us, make us betray our beliefs, and forget that we have a Shepherd that will lead us through it all.
I love this beautiful reminder by Helen Lemmel:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Guest post by author KD Holmberg
Amen!!! Jesus is the answer!! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Sorry to be reading this so late, but the post really spoke to me. I used to post on Facebook just about every day with a “daily summary” type post, but seems other things have taken priority lately. I like to think that what I do post is in some way uplifting and inspiring. I’m grateful to not get a lot of the “negative” stuff on my feed.
Thanks for this reminder of what is truly important in our lives – keeping our eyes on Jesus!
Amen, and thank you for stopping by, Mary Lynn!
Thank you Denise for this message. I throughly enjoyed reading it. First thing I read this morning, it got me focused for a new and glorious day The Lord has given us all..
Hi Zana. Thanks for stopping by. Glad you enjoyed this post. 🙂
Hi Joyce. I’m sorry to hear you’ve been sick and am thankful this post blessed you. We do live in a frightening and confused world, and the Bible – God’s word – is our comfort and hope!! Praying God surrounds you with His arms of love, protection, and peace. 🙂
Such a timely thought for me! Depression has settled in for me. I’ve been sick for 2 weeks so I stayed isolated. Guess how I’ve spent a lot of time? Social media. I live near Portland and am sickened by what’s going on there. Worse, I have coworkers who support the violence. I’m confused by the world. I do run to my Bible for reassurance and comfort so I really love the passages you have highlighted here. I’m going to read them again today. I am grateful to you for these beautiful words.
Thank you for revealing what’s happening, that we are over-looking.
Hi Sharon. Thanks for stopping by. Please send this link to your friend: https://www.merryheartink.com/scattered/
Thank you! 🙂
Beautiful reminder Denise..I’ve felt scattered definitely these last 2 months&needed that reminder..thank you..
I want to send to my friends..how??
Thanks for stopping by, Kathy! 🙂
Yes, turn my eyes upon Jesus. Thank you.
Amen!! 🙂
Right? There are pros and cons, but God is always good!! 🙂
Amen!! When we surrender everything to Him, we are blessed!!! Thank you for stopping by! 🙂
Thank you, Erma, for sharing this thought-provoking message by KD Holmberg! I know there are people on both sides of the fence – those who think Facebook is a distraction which scatters us, and those who view it as an opportunity to stay connected and to even reach out and encourage others to walk closely with God. Regardless of our view, we always need to surrender everything to Him that He might give us wisdom and guidance in what He desires each one of us to do. Romans 14:22 is a great guide: “The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.” Amen!
Oh, so enjoyed this. Thank you for sharing. Love the “social distancing” from social media. I can relate!
Cool insight into Mary Magdalene’s faithfulness and how we need to keep our focus on our Lord Jesus Christ despite the storms around us.
And thank you for stopping by! 🙂
Thank you for this good news!