We have just concluded the Fast of Daniel – a 21-day period where we chose to disconnect from entertainment, news and social media in order to reconnect with what truly matters: our relationship with God. For those who genuinely embraced this journey, the benefits were invaluable.
It served as a much-needed spiritual detox – a time to quiet the noise of the world and focus on the voice of God. Without the constant influx of social media posts, sensational news headlines and endless scrolling, we were able to “cleanse our minds” and regain control over what we allowed into our hearts. More importantly, we experienced spiritual renewal and a deeper intimacy with the Holy Spirit like never before.
But what should we do now that this powerful journey has concluded?
Now that the Fast of Daniel has ended, it’s natural to feel the urge to catch up on what you’ve “missed,” what’s trending, or what everyone’s been discussing. However, it’s crucial that we don’t fall back into the very habits that clouded our minds in the first place.
The truth is, the Fast of Daniel isn’t just about what we stop doing – it’s about what we learn. One of the key lessons is the importance of being selective and intentional about what we consume daily. The benefits of this awareness aren’t meant to last only 21 days; rather they can – and should – transition into a lifestyle of spiritual discipline and mental clarity.
So how can we continue to keep our minds clean and focused? Here are six practical tips to help you do just that:
1 – Be intentional with your screen time. Before reaching for your phone, pause and ask yourself: “Why am I doing this?” If it’s just out of habit or boredom, consider doing something more uplifting or productive, like reading the Bible, taking a walk or learning something new.
2 – Set app limits. Most smartphones allow you to set daily time limits for social media apps. Use this feature wisely to avoid endless scrolling. You’ll be amazed at how much time you regain for activities that truly matter.
3 – Turn off non-essential notifications. Notifications are constant distractions. Go through your phone settings and silence the apps that don’t require your immediate attention. You don’t need to be alerted every time someone posts a photo or video, for example.
4 – Make tech-free moments a daily habit. Choose specific times during the day – such as during meals or one hour before bed – to completely unplug. Use this time to connect with your family, pray, or plan your goals for the week or month.
5 – Watch with moderation. It’s okay to enjoy a good TV show or movie, but balance is key. Instead of binge-watching an entire season in one sitting, consider watching one or two episodes and use the rest of the time to engage in activities that nourish your soul.
6 – Keep meditating on the Word of God. Even though the Fast of Daniel is over, your time with God should continue. His Words are described in the Bible as “sweeter than honey” (Psalms 119:103). When you regularly read, meditate on, and apply His Word, you keep your mind clean and your heart aligned with His will.
The world is constantly trying to fill our minds with noise, but through discipline and discernment, we can protect the peace we’ve gained during the Fast of Daniel. Let’s keep moving forward – not by isolating ourselves, but by living intentionally, remaining spiritually aware, and always staying connected to the source of true wisdom and peace: our Lord Jesus Christ.
At the Universal Church, we offer daily services to help you maintain your connection with God. Join us at your nearest branch any day of the week – especially on Wednesdays and Sundays, when we focus on meditating on the Bible and seeking the Holy Spirit. Click here for our full timetable and, if you would like more information, please call our 24-hour helpline at 020 7686 6000 or send a WhatsApp message to 020 7686 6010.
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