My Grandma Evelyn had a poem, “The Bible & the TV Guide” sitting on her TV stand for most of the ’90s and it has always stayed with me. It is true that “there’s nothing new under the sun”: the temptations are the same as they’ve always been from Adam & on, the forms just change. I struggle constantly trying to figure out how much technology should be a part of my life and I constantly have to repent from getting “caught up” in bad habits of turning to the phone first or most… and every time He convicts me, I must confess and ask for help in turning back, knowing He is so gracious and loving and simply wants what is best for me – Himself! Here’s an updated version for our day….

The Bible & The Phone

They lie on the table
side by side,
The Holy Bible,
with light inside,
And the smartphone,
with its glow so bright,
One shines truth,
the other artificial light.

One is well-worn
and cherished with pride,
Not the Bible
… but the endless slide.

One is used daily
to help folks decide,
No, not the Bible
… but the phone they rely.

As the screen is swiped,
what shall they see?
Oh, what does it matter,
scroll endlessly.

Then confusion reigns,
they can’t all agree,
On where to find peace,
love, or harmony.

So they open the device
in which they confide,
No, not the Bible
… but the phone by their side.

The Word of God
is seldom read,
Maybe a verse
as they fall into bed.

Exhausted and weary,
soul and eyes sore to see,
Not from reading the Bible
… but from scrolling endlessly.

So then back to the table
side by side,
Lie the Holy Bible
and the phone worldwide.

No time for prayer,
no time for the Word,
The truth of God’s love
is seldom heard.

BUT… peace, love, and grace,
so full and free,
Are found in the Bible
… not in your feed!

So where will you turn
when you’re scared, bored, or stressed?
Be intentional, go to Jesus,
and you will be blessed!

He’s the source of peace,
the One who gives rest—
His Word is the answer
to life at its best.

So break this habit,
make a different choice,
The thing you crave
is Jesus’ voice!

He’s worthy of your time,
attention, and love—
Go to His Word
for peace & rest from above.