Social Detox
We live in a world that is noisy and busy. Everywhere we turn, something or someone is clamoring for our time, attention, and resources. It can be our phones, social media, TV, radio, magazines, or people. Regardless of the source, we face a constant barrage of inputs—and most of them are not nearly as beneficial as we think. They suck us in like a vortex, clutter our minds, suffocate our souls, and, in some cases, put unnecessary strain on our relationships.
Because of this, we must have moments of withdrawal—times when we escape the voices, messages, people, and activities in order to clear our minds and be present with the Lord.
Over the last several years, multiple studies have been conducted on disconnecting and pulling back from the stimuli of society. In every study I’ve come across, the results point to benefits such as renewed energy, less stress, reduced anxiety, lower depression, and even decreased addiction. Taking time to “detox,” as these studies often call it, leads to a more peaceful and balanced life—and, in turn, to healthier relationships.
Going offline was a regular routine for Jesus (Luke 5:16). Even as the crowds grew and His influence increased, Jesus often withdrew by Himself to solitary or desolate places in order to ground Himself and truly hear from the Father (Luke 4:42). And He was not alone in this practice.
Moses went up on the mountain where the Lord called to him and revealed the Ten Commandments (Exodus 24:15–18). We also read that it was a regular practice for Moses to go into the Tent of Meeting to quietly seek the Lord and discern His will before caring for and leading the nation (Numbers 7:89). Moses stepped away from the people, the noise, and the stress in order to be still with God before re-engaging with the overwhelming responsibilities of leadership.
The prophet Jeremiah wrote: “I never sat in the company of revelers, never made merry with them; I sat alone because your hand was on me.” (Jeremiah 15:17). And Ezekiel stated: “The hand of the Lord was on me there, and he said to me, ‘Get up and go out to the plain, and there I will speak to you.’ So I got up and went out to the plain. And the glory of the Lord was standing there…” (Ezekiel 3:22–23). Both prophets had to step away from the noise, activity, and people around them in order to hear and meet with the Lord.
When Elijah was despondent and ready to give up, he ran alone to Mount Horeb in the desert. It was there that God spoke to him—not in the wind, fire, or earthquake, but in a still small voice (1 Kings 19:9–18). The only way to hear a still small voice is to step away from the hustle and bustle and be quiet.
There are many more examples: John the Baptist (Luke 1:80), the Apostle Paul (Galatians 1:17), and even non-biblical voices such as Augustine, John of the Cross, Thomas à Kempis, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Brother Lawrence, A.W. Tozer, and Teresa of Avila. Each wrote about the importance of withdrawal, solitude, and silence. And each lived in a world far less loud, persistent, and hectic than the one we live in. What might they say to us today?
This was a lesson reemphasized to me as I walked the Camino de Santiago. Life was simple on the Camino as walked across Spain. I wasn’t listening to the news or spending hours online. I wasn’t getting text messages or watching TV all day. As a result, I walked with a greater sense of peace. I was more present with the pilgrims I met along the way. I wasn’t obsessed with the state of the world or carrying stress over things beyond my control. Instead, I was focused and at peace with the God who oversees it all. It was an enriching time.
As a result, I’ve resolved to set aside times each week to pull away and sit in solitude and silence. So far, these times have been incredibly meaningful, allowing me to reboot my mind, body, emotions, and soul. By detoxing from the world’s constant stimuli, its power and influence over me has lessened, and the presence of God has become more alive in me.
In the book of Hosea, the nation of Israel had become unfaithful. They had drifted so far they didn’t even realize how off course they were. The Lord warned them and then spoke these beautiful words, which I believe remain relevant today: “Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her.” (Hosea 2:14). God was calling them to step away from the world. And once they did, He would speak to their hearts, show them mercy, and restore them. But first, they had to get away from the activity, the noise, and the flywheel of the world.
To be clear, I am not suggesting that we put ourselves in a bubble or bury our heads in the sand. But I am suggesting the need to set aside times when we shut out the world. When we silence our phones, turn off the TV, unplug from the internet, and temporarily pull away from people. When we embrace the uncomfortable silence and sit quietly in our own personal wilderness to seek and wait on the Lord.
As we do, we may discover that the peace and presence we long for has been there all along—waiting for us to make room.
