It’s All Hevel!

 “The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.” Ecclesiastes 1:1-2 (NKJV)

   These verses are the opening statement from the unknown author of Ecclesiastes. He is quoting the wisdom of an unknown preacher or teacher: “All is vanity!” Some translations render the word ‘vanity’ as ‘meaningless’. However, the Hebrew word used here is ‘Hevel’ (pronounced HEH-vel), meaning vapor, mist, smoke, or breath. The entire book of Ecclesiastes goes on to explain all the things in life that are “Hevel”, how temporary everything is, and how chasing our own happiness, meaning, and purpose in life is like reaching for a cloud of smoke or chasing after the wind. You reach for it, and it disappears from your hand. The author concludes that we must obey God and follow him; this is the purpose and greatest fulfillment of a person. 

   This concept of “hevel” was the first lesson I learned from our pastor after we started attending our current church. It changed how I viewed my time. What am I chasing after only for it to just disappear in my hand? And worst of all, what am I leaving behind me because of chasing the wrong things? Over the years, this concept has led me to take a hard look at myself, as I often used social media, games, and TV to escape my problems. 

Recently, I was convicted of my screen time, particularly scrolling when I was feeling overwhelmed and escaping rather than being in the moment. We use screens so much in our everyday lives that we don’t notice how distracting they are. They truly are addictive. Research has shown that scrolling not only rewires our brains but can also change the actual physical structure of our brains. Now, don’t get me wrong. Screens have their benefits, but we have to use wisdom and discernment in how, when, where, and why we use an app or a screen. What is the reason for the screen use?   Are we setting appropriate limits? Are we using screens to disconnect from a struggle God wants us to grow in? In what way are we seeking him, or are we seeking relief or pleasure? Are we using screens at the right time or when our family needs us most? The time we have here is so temporary. Why should we waste it endlessly scrolling through videos? What purpose does God have for us that scrolling is keeping us from? What moments are we missing? 

A son scoring the winning basket? A friend's subtle cry for help? Our children telling us about their day? A daughter mastering bike riding without training wheels? A spouse being shown they are the most important person in our life? 

Because I am convicted in these areas, I recently cut my screen time in half! To keep my screen time down, I have used these methods:

-Don’t pick up the phone first. After waking up, I start my day by reading the Bible

-  Use screen limits on my phone; most phones come with this capability found in the settings. No extra apps are needed.

- Set aside a proper time. I limit my device use to nap time, the evening after my kids’ bedtime, or other times that don’t steal the focus away from my family.

- After using the phone, put it back down right away. When communication with the phone is necessary, such as with family, teachers, doctors, etc., I make sure I put my phone down as soon as I’m done with the necessary task.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to making the choice to choose what is truly important.  I remember the verse “Hevel, hevel it’s all Hevel,” and I consciously choose to focus on what really matters in life: walking in the purpose God has for my life.

PRAYER:
Lord,

Show us how YOU would have us spend our time. Help us look to YOU as we navigate the challenging task of managing screens and technology. Help us Lord to live in obedience to YOU and walk in purpose, as we focus on what truly matters in life.

Amen

Tabytha Wynn

Tabytha Wynn is a busy mom who’s conquering life on the Autism spectrum with a house full of kids who are Autistic. She is a wife, mom, author, and a speaker and at a local celebrate recovery program.