The first time I realized I was addicted to my phone was when I couldn’t go to the bathroom without it. What a silly thought, right? What else am I supposed to do? Sit there? Exactly. Our minds aren’t meant to run on overstimulation 24/7, 365 days a year, and yet that’s how many of us have lived our entire lives.
While technology is extremely helpful, it also comes with caveats we all need to be aware of, especially when it comes to our relationship with God. For many, using your phone doesn’t impact your spiritual life. You get up in the morning, and the Bible app with your daily plan is the first thing you see. But if we’re truthful, most of us use our phones but are constantly distracted and overstimulated, our eyes veering this way and that, within minutes of waking. We mean well. We want to stay focused, but this text, that call, and twelve notifications send us spiraling.
Although it will be a challenge, one of the best ways we can go deeper with God is ditching the plan on our phone and using a physical Bible. Here are 3 reasons I stopped using a digital Bible plan (for the most part) and why you should consider it, too.
1. It Minimizes Distraction and Helps You to Receive Peace
In Proverbs 4:25-27, we read these words: “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and take only solid and right paths. Do not swerve to the right or the left; turn your foot away from evil” (NIV). This verse primarily refers to staying on the right path of life—living by God’s commands and not straying from His guidance. However, this wisdom also applies to distractions.
We all face distractions in this life, from the endless stream of YouTube reels and videos to being busy, constantly multitasking, or believing the lie that Task A doesn’t really need as much attention as Task B. When we pursue two things at once, however, or are easily distracted by pings, noises, and external stress, we need to take action.
Living in a world with constant technology only amplifies this struggle. Don’t get me wrong, I adore the Bible app. I love reading God’s Word in different versions, languages, and audio styles. The plans are wonderful. But if I truly inspect my habits, I’ve learned that I need to write down my physical reading plan on a piece of paper and hold a tangible Bible in those first waking moments. Only after I’ve prayed and read the Word I hold will I use my phone for additional reading.
If that sounds extreme to you, that’s okay. Everyone is different. What I’ve learned in minimizing distractions is that my physical Bible needs to mean more to me than the to-dos on my phone every morning. The peace I receive from holding the physical Word of God will never compare to what I receive scrolling on a screen.
2. It Encourages Physically Holding the Word of God and Hearing His Voice
In the Old Testament, God spoke to people quite frequently. Moses, Noah, and Aaron clearly heard His voice. People like Joseph and Jeremiah testified. Today, however, the voice of God isn’t audibly heard as often. It does happen, but God primarily speaks through His Word (the Bible), His Church, and His people. And I’m thankful for that.
One thing that helps me hear God’s voice better is physically holding His Word. I don’t know why, but holding my Bible reminds me 1. This is a privilege not everyone has, and 2. It allows me to open my ears and eyes just a little bit wider. In both Psalm 95:7-8 and Hebrews 3:7-8; 4:7, God’s people are told to hear His voice openly. Why? Because we all tend to harden our hearts, get distracted, and stray from the Lord. He’s the Shepherd, and we’re His flock, but we need to be willing to listen and respond to what He says.
There’s a stern reminder in Psalm 85:8 that reads this way: “Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly” (NIV). If reading a physical Bible helps you hear God, respond, and avoid folly, then so be it. While digital Bibles are still useful and important (and I’m not swearing off their use altogether), there’s nothing like holding the breath of God in your palm as He speaks over you.
3. It Helps Me Slow Down And Start My Day Without My Phone
It’s going to sound obvious, but using a physical Bible instead of jumping on my phone as soon as the rooster crows helps me start my day by slowing down. Instead of feeling discombobulated, I feel rested, energized, and ready to dive into tasks. Here’s why:
Using a physical Bible, journal, and Bible plan I’ve written down helps me focus on what’s in front of me. I can slow down, take time to truly study the Scriptures, and look at the pages of the Word. Unlike my phone, my Bible isn’t updating and sending me notifications every few minutes. Instead of leaving my quiet time drained, discouraged, and frustrated, I can leave rested and refreshed.
When I was a high school English teacher, I treasured my weekend Bible times because I didn’t feel hurried or rushed. I could sit in the Word, soak in the Word, and let it saturate my soul. Now, as an author, I make my own schedule. I still have to prioritize reading Scripture, but my morning quiet times look different.
This isn’t possible for everyone, but I’d encourage you to read the physical Word at a time that works best for you. If that’s before bed, awesome. If it’s in the middle of the day after work, even better. You and God can work out the details. What matters is that you’re focused, intentional, and present. It may take practice, but reading the Bible and learning to hear God’s voice should be a sacred, unhurried practice.
Practical Steps You Can Take
If you want to grow closer to the Lord and hear His voice more distinctly, here are some practical steps you can try today:
-Use your Bible app to select a Bible reading plan. Then, write down the readings for each day. Read those readings in your physical Bible and only use audios, meditations, commentaries, or devotionals after you’ve prioritized the Word. These things are great, but they should be supplemental to the Word of God.
-Before reaching for your phone in the morning, reach for your Bible. Not everyone may have a physical Bible, but if you do, remember this is a privilege. Try putting your Bible near your phone so that when you’re tempted to reach for it, you’ll exchange it for your Bible instead.
-Dedicate space and time to hearing the Word of God, listening, and then learning to respond. Every morning, evening, or at a time that works best for you, set a timer for 5-10 minutes. Pour out your heart, but then set aside an extra 5-10 minutes to listen. Your mind will wander, but focus on Jesus and what He wants to speak to you in that moment.
No matter which practice you try, my challenge is for you to try using your physical Bible. Even for just 30 days, try it. See if your spiritual life improves, and ask a friend, family member, or spouse to keep you accountable.
Agape, Amber
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