Watch Who You’re Watching

Psalm 23:1-6 (ESV) 1The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

How do you know your screen is your shepherd?

You use your screen to decide what you want.

Psalm 1:1-2 (NLT) Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.

You use your screen to escape painful moments.

Psalm 34:18 (NLT) The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

You use your screen to fill your free time.

Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Philippians 4:8 (NLT) And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

What happens when you follow The Good Shepherd?

You experience regular moments of rest.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

You’re challenged to walk in God’s ways.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (NLT) 3All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 5For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.

You look back and see God’s goodness and mercy.

Psalm 23:6 (ESV) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Talk It Over

What do you spend most of your time watching? (TV, YouTube, social media, other)

How do your screen time habits effect you daily?

When you’re making a big decision where do you go first for advice? Read Psalm 1. Would you say you delight in God’s Word?

When life is hard what things bring you comfort?

How much of your free time is spent on screen time? What do you do in the “waiting room” moments? Do you immediately reach for your phone?

How can you make sure your screen isn’t your shepherd? How might you be able to encourage your kids, or your friends to follow the Good Shepherd?

How can you spend intentional time with Jesus this week?

Parents: Read Philippians 4:8-9 together with your family. These verses tell us what kinds of things we should think about. How many things can you name? Talk about how easy it is to have bad thoughts. Discuss how our choices help make it happen. The kinds of shows we watch, things we listen to, or even friends we hang out with can affect our thoughts. How can we stop putting wrong things into our minds? Think of some ways you can fill your mind with good thoughts instead.