Sunday Sermon: Breaking Free Week One – The Void
by Minister Denise N. Fyffe
As I continue sharing about my Facebook fast in 2014, I want to take you through the experience of the first week—what I learned, how I struggled, and how God began a work in me. If you’ve ever tried to give up something that had become a habit or addiction, you’ll understand that it’s not easy. And when that “something” is as pervasive as social media, it’s like trying to break free from a constant tug at your mind.
Week 1: The Struggle Begins
Have you ever felt the physical compulsion to do something, like your body is on autopilot? That’s exactly how I felt on the first day of my fast. It was as though I was being denied air, and my mind kept urging me to check Facebook, even though I knew I had committed to this fast. It was hard—really hard.
Every few minutes, I found myself opening a new tab in my browser, only to catch myself before typing “Facebook” into the search bar. I had turned off all notifications the night before, ensuring that I wouldn’t be tempted by email alerts or my phone pinging with Facebook updates. But still, the habit was ingrained, and my fingers moved out of sheer muscle memory.
It felt like an overwhelming craving that just couldn’t be satisfied. But I got through day one.
Filling the Void
By day two, I started looking for other ways to fill my time. That’s when I turned to something that always helps me refocus—gospel music. I played Donnie McClurkin, Kevin Downswell, and many others all day long. Music has a way of altering the state of your mind and shifting your focus.
As the worship music filled my space, I could feel the sting of withdrawal from social media begin to fade. In its place, there was peace. Psalm 150:6 (KJV) says, “Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.” And that’s exactly what I did. I spent my days in worship, reminding myself that this time wasn’t just about giving up something—it was about giving God back His time.
Through that worship, I felt God starting to shift my mindset. I knew that this fast wasn’t just about social media; it was about realigning my life and my heart with His will.
Matthew 6:33: Seek First the Kingdom
During that first week, God placed Matthew 6:33 (KJV) in my spirit: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” I meditated on that verse, over and over. I realized that while Facebook and social media were the most obvious distractions in my life, God was asking for more. He wanted my focus, my attention, my undivided heart.
Somewhere deep within, I knew that Facebook would only be the first thing I would be asked to sacrifice. God was working on me, and the fast was just the beginning. He was preparing me for something bigger—to remove other things in my life that had taken precedence over Him.
Romans 12:1-2 (KJV) says,
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” The first week of the fast was the start of that transformation for me.
God’s Call to Sacrifice
As I moved through the week, I felt a sense of both relief and anticipation. Relieved that I could focus more on God and anticipate what He was going to do in my life. In the quiet moments, I could hear Him more clearly. I wasn’t distracted by endless scrolling or mindless updates. My heart began to soften to His voice, and I knew that this was only the beginning. Facebook was just the first in a series of things God would ask me to let go.
Fasting has a way of revealing what truly matters. As I gave up Facebook, I began to realize how much of my time was spent on things that didn’t matter—how much of my attention was being stolen by things that couldn’t feed my soul.
Conclusion
My first week of fasting from Facebook was more than just a break from social media—it was a revelation. God was shifting my priorities and showing me how much more He had in store for me if only I would seek Him first. It wasn’t just about giving up Facebook; it was about giving God the space to work in my life. And as I sought Him, He began to work in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
I want to encourage you today—if there is something in your life that is taking more of your time and focus than God, consider fasting from it. Whether it’s social media, TV, or any other distraction, take a break and give that time back to God. Psalm 46:10 (KJV) says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” When we remove distractions, we can be still before Him, and that’s when we begin to hear His voice clearly.
Closing Prayer
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, we come before You, acknowledging that there are many distractions in this world that take our time and focus away from You. Lord, we ask for the strength to sacrifice those things that have become idols in our lives. Help us to seek You first, to give You our full attention, and to trust that You will provide everything we need. As we fast and seek Your face, Lord, change our hearts, renew our minds, and draw us closer to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Blessing
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He give you the strength to lay down whatever is distracting you from His presence. May you find peace, renewal, and joy as you seek first His kingdom.
Amen.
I hope you find today’s sermon helpful and applicable to your life. I pray that the Word of God works effectively in your life.
Be encouraged and stay blessed.
The Invitation
I invite you today to take a deep look at yourself and reflect on your life. Are you searching for something more? Are you satisfied with how things are today? Is God calling you to bconfess your sins, be baptized and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you been ignoring him? Have you been facing immense hardships and challenges? What can you do to take the first step?
Trust God to help you with that first step.
Be encouraged.
Be bold.
Click here to understand how to Answer the Call or answer the Altar Call.
It shall be well with you, in Jesus mighty name.
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And remember, be encouraged.
About the writer:
Minister Denise N. Fyffe is a devoted Christian, author, and servant of God, whose life is guided by her faith and values. Since accepting Jesus Christ at a young age, she has made it her mission to share her journey. She also shares her knowledge of the Bible with others. Besides her passion for writing, Minister Fyffe is actively involved in outreach, Christian mentorship, and ministering the Word of God.
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