When 'Christian' Content Isn't Drawing You Closer to Christ

Can I be honest with you? Sometimes I catch myself mindlessly scrolling through Instagram, double-tapping worship videos and nodding along to Christian podcasts, but my heart feels... empty afterwards. Sound familiar?

Here's what I've discovered: just because something has 'Jesus' in the title doesn't mean it's actually drawing us into His presence. Sometimes, even the good stuff can become spiritual junk food if we're not careful.

Your Heart Needs a Filter System

The book of Proverbs puts it beautifully: "Incline your ear to my sayings... keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life and health to all their flesh." Proverbs 4: 20-22

Notice it says to incline your ear – that's intentional listening, not passive consumption. Jesus reminded us that we're blessed when our eyes truly see and our ears truly hear what God is revealing (Matthew 13:16-17). But here's the thing: this kind of spiritual perception doesn't happen automatically.

The Problem with "Safe" Christian Content

I used to think that anything labelled 'Christian' was automatically good for my soul. But I've learned that's not always true. Sometimes Christian influencers can accidentally become idols. Sometimes worship songs can stir up emotions without actually transforming our hearts. Sometimes we can feel spiritually 'fed' but realise we're just consuming, not communing.

Social media thrives on likes, shares, and going viral.. not necessarily on drawing us deeper into prayer or surrender. Even when the message points to God, the platform itself can pull us toward performance rather than purity.

That's where discernment comes in. And I don't mean being suspicious or critical – I mean learning to recognise what the Holy Spirit is highlighting for you personally.

Here are some questions I've started asking myself:

• Am I being drawn to worship Christ, or just admire someone's talent?
• Do I feel closer to God after watching this, or just emotionally charged?
• Am I feeding my spirit, or feeding my need for online validation?

"Solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil." Hebrews 5:14

Your Best Filter: The Holy Spirit

Here's what's changed everything for me: inviting the Holy Spirit in before I even open my phone or turn on music. It sounds simple, but it's revolutionary.

Try this: Before you hit play on that worship playlist or open TikTok or Instagram, pause and pray something like: "Holy Spirit, show me what's from You today. Guard my heart and guide my focus."

The Holy Spirit isn't just our Comforter, He's our Teacher and Guide into all truth (John 16:13). He knows what your heart needs in this season, what will build you up versus what might stir up comparison or spiritual restlessness.

I've noticed that as I've grown in this practice, I'm becoming more sensitive to:

• Content that feels heavy even though it's labelled 'spiritual'
• When I'm emotionally stirred but left spiritually empty
• When I'm tempted to compare my journey instead of communing with Jesus

"If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit." – Galatians 5:25

The Beautiful Art of Being Still

Can we talk about how uncomfortable stillness can feel? In our hustle culture, sitting quietly with God can feel like we're wasting time. But what if I told you that some of my deepest encounters with God have happened not while consuming content, but in the quiet spaces between?

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1

Notice the word 'dwells', not visits, not scrolls past, but dwells. There's something beautiful about choosing quiet over scrolling, prayer over playlists, solitude over constant stimulation.

Jesus regularly withdrew to quiet places, not because He didn't love people, but because He knew that communion with the Father was His source of strength.

Your Turn to Sing

Here's something I've been experimenting with: instead of always consuming other people's worship, I've started creating space for my own response to God. It doesn't have to be perfect or profound. Sometimes I just hum while reading Scripture, or whisper "I love You, Lord" during my morning mocha.

Psalm 96 encourages us to 'sing to Him a new song', not necessarily new lyrics, but fresh expressions of our current relationship with Him.

Try these simple practices:

• Sing softly during your quiet time, even if it's just repeating "Thank You, Jesus"
• Let melodies rise up naturally while you read the Word
• Take one verse and meditate on it throughout the day, letting it become a prayer

"Be still, and know that I am God." – Psalm 46:10

Tools to Help You Go Deeper

If you're looking for apps that actually help you slow down and connect with God (rather than just consume more content), here are three I really love:

1. Lectio 365 (by 24-7 Prayer)

This beautifully designed app guides you through morning and evening reflections using lectio divina (divine reading) an ancient practice of reading Scripture slowly and prayerfully. 

Perfect for: Starting and ending your day with intentional presence

2. YouVersion Bible App (by Life.Church)

Read or listen to Scripture in multiple translations, with reading plans that actually help you engage, not just check boxes. 

Perfect for: Building consistent Bible reading habits

3. Life Bible App (by Tecarta Inc.)

A comprehensive Bible study app with multiple translations, cross-references, commentaries, and study tools , all designed to help you dig deeper into God's Word. 

Perfect for: In-depth Bible study and research

Your heart was made for more than spiritual snacking. 

You were created for deep, transforming communion with the God who loves you. In a world full of noise.. even good noise,  choosing stillness and discernment isn't just wise, it's essential.

Let this be your prayer today: "Teach me, Holy Spirit, to recognise Your voice above all others, so I may live wisely and worship purely."

Share what you do to be still and shut out the noise in the comments!