96 Times a Day...
What do the numbers say? Maths anyone?
Research says we check our phones on average 96 times a day.
96 times a day. On average I might add.
Let that sink in. This is not taking into account the duration, length etc. This is just the number of times we check our phones. That's a lot don't you think. And this on average o. That means it might be more for some you or considerable less for others. Either way, it is a lot, n’est pas?
Here's the thing – I'm not a technophobe. I am just a voice crying (not in the wilderness) but advocating for balance. Sounding the trumpet to show the insidiousness of the agenda to get us tethered to our devices so much that we become wired to them. (see what I did there?). Back to the numbers…
96 times. That's once every 10 minutes of our waking hours. Think about what that means:
96 interruptions to our thoughts
96 breaks in our concentration
96 moments stolen from potential prayer, reflection, or genuine human connection
96 chances to choose differently
As we count down to our digital fast beginning on the 1st, here's a challenge: keep a tally of how often you check your phone today. Make a simple mark each time you reach for it. You might be shocked at your number – most of us are. Then comes the interesting part: replace each of those checks with something else. A page of a book. A journal entry. A moment of prayer. A real conversation.
“The beauty of this challenge isn’t in the counting – it’s in the awakening. When we become aware of our habits, we can begin to change them.”
Think of it like Daniel's partial fast – he didn't stop eating entirely, he chose a simpler, more intentional way of nourishing himself. We're doing the same with our digital consumption. (see Daniel 1:8-16 for this.)
The goal isn't to demonise technology – after all, you're probably reading this on a device! The goal is to break free from that compulsive need to check, scroll, and consume. To rediscover the joy of undistracted prayer, of deep reading, of holy silence.
96 times could become 80, then 50, then 20. Not because we're afraid of technology, but because we're brave enough to choose better alternatives. As we prepare for this digital fast, let's remember what we're fasting for: not just to break free from digital chains, but to create space for something far more precious – intimate communion with the Lord.
What will you do with your 96 opportunities today?
How will you prepare your heart for this intentional season of digital fasting?
"Be still, and know that I am God" - Psalm 46:10
Let's approach this fast not with anxiety about what we're giving up, but with excitement about what we're gaining. I am thinking of sustainability - sustainable goals, sustainable changes, sustainable transformation. Hehehe... now that's something worth reaching for instead of our phones!
Propelling you forward
PG