Dear Counselor: I used to send texts from my cell phone in a normal way, but lately I have noticed texting has become an obsession. I send texts to all my friends and I keep sending to those who reply. I know it doesn’t make sense, but when I am left without anyone to send to, I just text to myself! At times it is almost impossible to keep my hands off the cell phone. Do you have good advice for me?
– Rick.
Dear Rick,
Yes, some items of modern technology are habit forming and we all should be alert not to lose control. Let me assure you that there is something you can do, especially if you claim God’s promises, such as “do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
As a first step, I would suggest that you place your cell phone in the hands of your best friend for three to four weeks, and have him/her take care of your calls and messages and keep you informed of the truly important matters. It may be hard at the beginning, but it is the best way to break the habit.
During these three or four weeks of ‘treatment,’ keep yourself productively busy. Get involved in physical exercise, sports, or household work. Activity outdoors is the best to break those invisible threads that take your hands to the mobile device. Get connected to people in action and, if possible, get involved in some ministry where you can help someone in need. Lastly, use this recovery time to intensify your spiritual life—allocate daily time to Scripture reading and prayer in solitude and do not fail to participate in corporate worship as well. Memorize Isaiah 41:10 (or any other encouraging verse) and repeat it to yourself throughout the day as you utter a short prayer.
As days go by, you will start feeling and increasing sense of the presence of God and additional control over your own life and actions. Once you feel comfortable, you can get your cell phone back, but you must commit yourself to limit your messages to the absolute minimum and keep reporting to your friend on how you are doing. Remember, if you get back to the old habit, the situation will become more complicated and you may need professional help.
Dear Counselor is a service of Julian Melgosa, Linda Ivy and Austin Archer of the Walla Walla University School of Education and Psychology.