Light overcomes the darkness Part 3

We continue here in part 3 by looking at practical ways for us to know the reality of Jesus being the light that overcomes darkness. Last time in part 2, we looked at the healthy practice of confession. https://www.strengthinsuffering.com/post/light-overcomes-the-darkness-part-2

This time we want to look at the dangers and unhealthy impact social media can have on us and therefore how, if at all, we should use it.

Platforms like Facebook, Instagram and the like can very often present an unrealistic, idealised presentation of life. We are often presented with a “perfect” image which masks the everyday struggles and challenges that many go through. This can lead to negative impacts on people especially on those who are already struggling with depression, self doubt, comparison and multiple other mental health issues.

We ourselves have posted pictures recently of our holiday at The Bendrigg Trust in Cumbria highlighting the many varied activities that our son was able to do. Yes, he enjoyed himself, yes, he was able to participate in activities that he would not normally be able to access. We are so thankful for this opportunity and thank God for it. However, for those looking in at JUST the photos of the smiling faces there is much that is not seen. The struggles, the pain and the challenges and hardships of each day are masked. Therefore, what we are portraying is not a true picture of the reality of life. It’s only a snippet of time, what life is like in one moment only.

Christian media posts on these platforms is similar. The summer Christian music festivals post pictures and videos of thousands of people dancing along to the latest ‘worship’ personalities and call it a ‘taste of heaven’. Some of this media attention can be very unhelpful, in fact detrimental to anyone who is struggling to cope to keep following Jesus. The effect can be crushing to those who feel a failure and yet again this coverage are only a snippet of what life is really like.

Worship ultimately is us giving Jesus our lives each and every minute of the day through the good, the bad and the ugly.

The biggest question and challenge for us all is ‘can I still worship Jesus in the midst of struggle and pain’?

The problem with social media for many of us is that it leads us down the comparison trail and does nothing to help us to worship and keep following Jesus. ‘Comparison’ can become a real killer. "Comparison is the thief of joy" is a quote, often attributed to Theodore Roosevelt, that highlights how measuring your own life against others' can lead to feelings of inadequacy, dissatisfaction, and ultimately, a loss of personal happiness and gratitude.

I confess, I do it all the time and it can literally rob me of any joy and peace I hope to regain after surviving devastating

trauma. It can also have the knock on effect of how we view God. Is He blessing that family/person more than mine/me?, syndrome.

What we post on social media as fun, enjoyment and sharing experience is often a million miles away from what following Jesus is all about. Yes, we all want to share our good times, I’m certain that God is not against any of that. But it all points to self when Jesus so often painted a picture of following in His footsteps as denial of self. Taking up our cross. Entering the Kingdom through many tribulations. Keeping our eyes on Jesus no matter what life throws at us.

The key to safeguarding ourselves is to keep away as much is possible from these platforms. For us as a family it’s a way of sharing our thoughts on trauma, the miraculous healing of our son and spreading word about our website and blogs that we write. But it can be difficult to use self control and not scroll and look into the world of others who seemingly have life together and enjoying the moment. But to exercise self control, we must if we want to keep ourselves from sliding into darkness, despair and depression.

If and when we do find ourselves slipping into this mode of scrolling and comparison we need to be reminded of what Paul encourages us to do, and “take every thought captive to obey Christ”. 2 Cor 10:5.

Prayer: Dear Lord, May we more and more fix our eyes on You and not the facade of social media. Amen.