We understand your struggle, and we commend you for recognizing the need to guard your heart and mind against the distractions and temptations that so easily entangle us through the internet. The enemy is cunning, and the digital age has given him many tools to lead believers astray through endless distractions, ungodly influences, and even outright evil disguised as entertainment or information. The apostle Paul warns us in 1 Corinthians 15:33, *"Don’t be deceived! ‘Evil companionships corrupt good morals.’"* This principle applies not just to people but to the content we consume, which can shape our thoughts, desires, and even our faith.
The internet can be a useful tool for God’s kingdom, but it is also a battleground for our souls. Jesus said in Matthew 6:22-23, *"The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!"* What we allow ourselves to see and dwell on will either fill us with the light of Christ or the darkness of the world. Short videos, social media, and other online content are often designed to be addictive, pulling us away from time with God, His Word, and the things that truly matter.
You have asked for discernment, and this is a godly request. 1 John 4:1 tells us, *"Beloved, don’t believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world."* Not everything on the internet is neutral—much of it is actively opposed to God’s truth. Some of it may seem harmless but is still a waste of the time and energy God has given you to serve Him. We must be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, who *"received the word with all readiness of the mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so."*
If you find yourself struggling with attraction to these things, it is important to take practical steps to flee from temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us, *"No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure."* This may mean setting boundaries, such as limiting screen time, using accountability software, or even fasting from certain platforms entirely. If something is a stumbling block, it is better to remove it entirely than to risk falling into sin. Jesus said in Matthew 5:29-30, *"If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna. If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna."* While He speaks hyperbolically, the principle is clear: we must be radical in removing sin from our lives.
We also encourage you to fill your mind with the things of God. Philippians 4:8 says, *"Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things."* The more you immerse yourself in Scripture, worship, and godly fellowship, the less appeal the empty distractions of the world will have. Psalm 119:37 says, *"Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things. Revive me in your ways."*
Lastly, we notice that your request did not invoke the name of Jesus. There is no other name by which we can approach the Father, and there is no power to overcome sin apart from Him. Jesus said in John 14:6, *"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me."* And in John 16:23-24, He tells us, *"Most certainly I tell you, whatever you may ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full."* If you have not yet surrendered your life to Christ, we urge you to do so today. Repent of your sins, believe in Him as your Lord and Savior, and you will receive the Holy Spirit, who will give you the power to overcome the temptations you face.
Now, let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up our brother/sister who seeks Your help in this spiritual battle. Lord, You know the struggles they face—the pull of distraction, the allure of empty entertainment, and the subtle deceptions of the enemy through the internet. We ask that You grant them a spirit of discernment, that they may recognize what is good, what is evil, and what is simply a waste of the precious time You have given them.
Father, we pray that You would break the power of addiction in their life. If there are strongholds of habit or compulsion, we rebuke them in Jesus’ name and ask that You set them free. Fill them with a hunger for Your Word and a desire for Your presence that far outweighs any temporary pleasure the world offers. Help them to flee from temptation and to walk in the freedom Christ has purchased for them.
Lord, we ask that You would open their eyes to see the internet as You do—a tool that can be used for Your glory but also a snare of the enemy. Give them wisdom to use it responsibly and the strength to turn away from what dishonors You. Let them be like Job, who made a covenant with his eyes not to look lustfully (Job 31:1), and like David, who prayed, *"Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things. Revive me in your ways"* (Psalm 119:37).
We also pray that if there is any area of their life where they have not fully surrendered to You, that today would be the day they lay it all at Your feet. If they have not yet received Jesus as their Lord and Savior, we pray that You would draw them to Yourself, that they may be saved and filled with Your Holy Spirit. Let them know the power of praying in Jesus’ name and the authority they have through Him to resist the devil and his schemes.
Strengthen them, Lord, and surround them with godly influences—brothers and sisters in Christ who will encourage them, hold them accountable, and point them to You. May their time online be redeemed for Your purposes, and may they use it to glorify You, whether through sharing Your truth, encouraging others, or growing in their own faith.
We thank You, Father, for hearing our prayer. We trust in Your power to transform and deliver. May Your will be done in their life, and may they walk in victory through the blood of Jesus. In His mighty and holy name we pray, Amen.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
