Facebook - A New Addiction - Devotion

"They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the Lord their God." Nehemiah 9:3 (NIV)

A new addiction slipped into my life recently - Facebook.  Internet social networking slid in quietly and unobtrusively.  Each day I found myself reading and posting a bit more.  I learned how to create my own "Farm Town".  My time seeped into Facebook like grains of sand slide through the hourglass.

My addiction soon took a turn for the worst.  I have began to put off my personal quiet time with God as well as my exercise and meal planning.  Strangely, the "farm" has  intrigued me.  I have fallen under the spell of building a farm, along with the planting and harvesting.  Eager to be hired to help a neighbor.

Then today, I saw this devotion.  The lesson pointed to the book of Nehemiah.  As I read, "They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the Lord their God." (Nehemiah 9:3, NIV).

Yikes! They read God's Word for a quarter of the day, then spent another quarter of the day in confession and worshiping?  These words have haunted me.  When was the last time I spent that much time with God?  How much time didI spend on the Internet?  I felt a deep conviction about my Facebook addiction. 

I realize I need to stop this addiction.  Oh, I will enjoy Facebook and other social networks, but I have to keep them in proper perspective.  Psalm 119:59-60 sums up my new intent: "I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws.  I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands" (NLT).

Will you join me in the commitment to spending time in God's Word and exercising before time spent on Facebook or Calorie Count?

Dear Lord, I recognize that I spend too much time on the computer.  Forgive my inattention to Your Word and my health.  Help me each day to place You first in my life.  ~In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Application Steps: 

Today, take notice of how much time you spend on the computer for personal enjoyment.  Decide to make your quiet time with God a priority.  Read Psalm 119 and then ponder the benefits of time spent in God's Word. 

Reflections: 

Do I put off my quiet time with God in lieu of "social networking?"

Am I willing to commit more time to reading the Bible?

How can I begin to keep my life in a healthy balance?

Power Verses:

Exodus 24:7, "Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people.  They responded, 'We will do everything the Lord has said; we will obey.'" (NIV)

Romans 10:17, "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." (NIV)

Joshua 1:8, "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.  Then you will be prosperous and successful." (NIV)

I wrote the above devotion in July.  Here it is October and I am addicted to Facebook.  More than I thought.

I just closed my Facebook account (s).  I was involved with 3 different farms, playing games, and designing my own apartment on both accounts.  Talk about being addicted!  I used this to "veg" out to avoid facing reality of being morbidly obese.  It will be a year on October 30 when I had the blood clot in my lung.  I have accomplished nothing - my weight is the same.  I had a second chance and what have I done but wasted time.  Enough is enough!

Dear Lord, I recognize that I spent too much time on the computer.  Forgive my inattention to Your Word and my health.  Help me each day to place You first in my life.  ~In Jesus' Name, Amen.

OK, after talking to my husband (and son) again - we have come to an agreement, I do need an outlet.  So I can reopen my Facebookaccount but will limit myself - keep a balance.  I must do some type of exercising daily or the "privilege" will be taken away.  The key is I need to be moving and not sitting for hours on end.  This is not good for the poor circulation I already have in my lower legs - hence the swelling in my feet.