Randy Miller here. I heard a sermon at my home church on Sunday, Decatur First Church of the Nazarene, that resonated with me. I asked Senior Pastor Christen Piatt if I could copy her notes from the Holy Bible app, and share them with our Steady Ground Ministry blog readers. She kindly consented! Here is some REALLY pertinent stuff. Enjoy!
++++++++++++++++++++++
Joy We live in the most connected age in history, yet loneliness is at an all-time high. Technology can draw us closer—or leave us isolated. The answer isn't ditching devices; it's learning to live The Connected Life and build meaningful relationships.
==========
THE CONNECTED LIFE – WEEK 1
When Social Media Steals Your Joy
BIG IDEA:
If you don’t guard what’s forming you…
it will start stealing from you.
And one of the first things it steals is your joy.
??2 John? ?1?:?12??
I have much more to say to you, but I don’t want to do it with paper and ink. For I hope to visit you soon and talk with you face to face. Then our joy will be complete.
FOUNDATION: CONNECTION > COMMUNICATION
2 John 1:12
Communication is not the same as connection We can be constantly communicating… and still feel disconnected Joy is found in presence, not just interaction
Key Thought:
We are more connected than ever… and still feel more alone than ever
JOY VS. HAPPINESS
Happiness:
- Based on circumstances
- Temporary
- Comes and goes
Joy:
- Rooted in God
- Internal, not external
- Steady even when life isn’t
Key Thought:
Happiness is based on what you experience Joy is rooted in who you are and who you belong to
??Galatians? ?1?:?10??
Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.
POINT 1 — COMPARISON STEALS JOY
Social media highlights the best moments—not the full story We compare our behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel
Stats:
1 in 4 people feel worse about their life after social media ~30% feel pressure to present themselves a certain way
If you compare your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel… you lose every time
TIMELINES
Social media makes us feel behind
God’s timing is not rushed or forced
Key Thought:
Just because something happens earlier… doesn’t mean it’s better
??Isaiah? ?26?:?3??
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
POINT 2 — DISTRACTION STEALS JOY
???? Stats:
Adults: ~7+ hours of screen time daily
Teens: 7–9 hours daily
~50% say social media hurts sleep
~40% say it hurts productivity
Constant input = little rest
Full feed… empty soul
Key Thought:
If your mind is always scrolling… your soul is rarely resting
??1 Corinthians? ?6?:?12??
You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything.
POINT 3 — DEPENDENCE STEALS JOY
???? Stats:
68% feel anxiety without their phone
Heavy users are 2–3x more likely to struggle with anxiety/depression
It’s not just use—it’s reliance
Phones can become a source of comfort, validation, escape
Key Thought:
Whatever you depend on most… shapes your life the deepest
??Romans? ?12?:?2??
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
POINT 4 — CULTURE GOT THIS BACKWARDS
We overprotect physically… underprotect digitally We guard physical spaces… but not digital input
Reality:
Unlimited access to content (including harmful content) Algorithms shape attention, identity, and beliefs
Key Thought:
If you don’t choose what shapes you… the world will
Key Question:
Am I guarding my heart… or just scrolling through whatever shows up?
??2 John? ?1?:?12??
I have much more to say to you, but I don’t want to do it with paper and ink. For I hope to visit you soon and talk with you face to face. Then our joy will be complete.
??John? ?1?:?14??
So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
POINT 5 — SHALLOW CONNECTION STEALS JOY
More connection… less meaning
Being connected ≠ being known
???? Stats:
70% say social media helps them feel connected ~40% say it increases loneliness
Key Thought:
Shallow connection cannot carry the weight of your soul
REAL CONNECTION
God chose presence—not distance
Real joy comes from real relationships
Key Thought:
Your joy is not found in how many people follow you… but in who actually walks with you
APPLICATION — TAKING BACK YOUR JOY
1. Audit What’s Forming You
- How much time am I spending?
- How do I feel after I scroll?
- What is this producing in me?
2. Set Boundaries
- Limit when and how you engage
- Create space for rest and focus
3. Replace, Don’t Just Remove
- Scripture instead of scrolling
- Prayer instead of noise
- Presence instead of distraction
4. Re-center Your Identity
- Identity rooted in social media = unstable
- Identity rooted in Christ = unshakable
PRACTICAL STEPS
Put your phone away during meals
Put phones away on dates
Be fully present with people
Key Thought:
Attention communicates value
FOR PARENTS
Kids interpret attention as love
Divided attention can feel like rejection
Key Thought:
You can always check your phone later…
but you can’t relive the moment
??John? ?15?:?11??
I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!
CLOSING TRUTH
God is not trying to take joy from you…
He’s trying to give it to you
REFLECTION
Where has comparison been stealing your joy?
Where has distraction been draining your peace?
Where has shallow connection replaced real relationship?
Don’t let something in your hand…
steal what God placed in your heart
