I am a very busy college student. Between classes, homework, friends, rehearsals, and other responsibilities, I find little time to make God a priority. It’s not an uncommon story for people my age, yet it is dangerous for one’s well-being. I took the time this past week to evaluate where the majority of my time is spent, and this is what I came up with:

Sleep: 35 Hrs/Week

Socializing: 15 Hrs/Week

Class: 19 Hrs/Week

Homework: 23 Hrs/Week

Downtime: 55 Hrs/Week

Meal Time (assuming an hour per meal): 21 Hrs/Week

Something significant I observed about where I spent my time is “Downtime.” I thought, “Surely, that’s enough time to do a devotional every now and then,” but it just wasn’t happening. I paid attention over the next few days to see what I did during that time. When I did, I realized that several hours of my time was wasted on social media like: Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Youtube, and to feed my crafts addiction, Pinterest.

I used my phone everywhere: on the transit during rides to and from the AC, between classes, DURING class (….sshhh…), awaiting friends in the Dining Commons, procrastinating homework in my dorm, avoiding eye contact with strangers. The list goes on. But still, I didn’t think it was really affecting me. After all, my work was getting done, and social media was a way to unwind. Plus, it didn’t feel like I used it that much (just enough that I didn’t have time for God).

When I could fit a devotional in, the number one thing I prayed for was help making connections with people. Maybe it’s my eccentricity, but I have always struggled with emotionally connecting with others. Sure, I’m updated on my friends’ lives (thanks, Instagram!), but I never feel as though I truly participate in them.

And this is where God stepped in.

After determining I spend too much time on social media, I thought it would be an interesting exercise to cut it out completely. I then realized I could kill two birds with one stone by looking at this project not only as a fun experiment but also as a fast. This gave me a timeline, goal, and ultimately, purpose.

I would fast for 7 whole days: Thursday afternoon of one week to Thursday of the next. The objective was to focus more on God to see what He had to tell me and to stay open to things I could learn from the experience. I kept a diary of each day, so here’s a brief summary of what went down.

DAY 1: Eye Contact with Strangers

Today I started some conversations with people I hadn’t ever spoken to before because avoiding them with my phone wasn’t an option. For the most part, it was small talk (things like, “Hey, how’s it going?”).
The best conversation I had today is a tie between one transit driver who hypothesized that California will become an island within the next ten years as a result of a huge earthquake, and another driver who told me about his experience living in Australia.

Today’s Takeaway: There is more to other people than meets the eye.

DAY 2: So Far, So Good…

Maybe today is an especially beautiful day, but I think I’m beginning to notice the weather more. The sun feels warm on my back, but the air is crisp. The sky is a pretty, clear, crystal blue that can only be glimpsed in autumn. It’s honestly so beautiful, I wish I could take a quick picture and put it on Facebook to show my family. Instead, I’m going to soak this day up as much as I can, maybe even study outside.

Today’s Takeaway: Live in the moment.

DAY 3: I’ve Done All my Homework. Now What?

Okay, this has been an interesting experiment so far, but I’ve run into a problem: I’ve had enough time to do all my homework. I know that sounds like a good thing, but all of my friends have work to do, and I’m lonely and bored. What should I do?
Update: I remembered the primary reason I’m fasting from social media is for God, so I’m going to spend even more time in God’s word today. The verse of the day is Psalm 37:4 (“Delight yourself in the Lord…”)

Today’s Takeaway: If you “Delight yourself in the Lord,” He will become the “desire of your heart.”

DAY 4: God, Is That You?

I spent most of my evening last night focusing on God. I didn’t spend time waking up from horrific nightmares like I usually do. Is this a coincidence? The peace residing over me says it is not. I am so full of love right now. I think focusing on God put me in a better mental state, so I didn’t have bad dreams. I wonder if I am beginning to see the fruits of this fast? I feel like I’m encountering God for the first time again.
~Later~
I just got off the phone with an old friend. I think God used me in our conversation because I got to share how focusing on God helped me sleep better. It sounds silly, but he knows how big of a deal this is. I think it made an impact on him.

Today’s Takeaway: Talk about how God has blessed you. Sometimes that is a better witness than your personal testimony.

DAY 5: EVERYTHING IS GREAT

I think I discovered the purpose behind this fast: God inspired me to do this exercise so He could answer my prayer.
By drawing nearer to Him, I love others more deeply and emotionally connect to them. This is what I have been praying for! By replacing one thing (in this case, social media) with God, I feel like a completely different person. Right now, I feel like a more gracious, kinder version of myself. This must be what the Bible means when it talks about being transformed.

Today’s Takeaway: God answers prayer.

DAY 6: The Stress Is Building

As the old saying goes, “If the devil can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy.” After a 2-day-Jesus-fueled love fest, I have been hit with more homework than you could believe. Today is the first time in a few days that I wish I could go on social media. I like to use Instagram to de-stress, but now I’ll try applying Jesus to the wound. Will log more later.
Update: I was stressing really badly about all the work that I have due Monday. My life verse, Psalm 46:10, has been my saving grace. I just keep repeating “Be still and know that I am God” to myself. I have found peace in that verse. I’m glad that I prayed and recited scripture instead of procrastinating on social media. I don’t think I would have gotten the rest of my work done if I’d gone on Instagram, which would have stressed me out even more.

Today’s Takeaway: It is infinitely harder to be at peace when you’re under pressure. On the upside, God’s peace shines in tough circumstances.

DAY 7:

I have grown a lot this week as a Christian. I know God has answered prayers for me before, but this is the clearest He has ever been with me. I learned a lot about connecting with other people. To summarize, here is what I learned:
God equips us with the grace we need to reach out and love others, but to receive His grace, we have to open ourselves up to Him daily. Once we are filled by God, His love pours out of us so we are able to connect with people.
Staying off social media put me in situations where I had to talk to people. I feel like I am closer to my friends than I was before, and I’ve met people I never spoke to previously. The extra free time I had outside of devotions went to spending quality time with others.

This Week’s Takeaway: God answers prayer in ways that will be memorable for us. My prayer to connect to other people was answered through this social media fast, but your prayers might be answered in other ways. In the future, I hope to continue to spend time with God and see where He takes me.