I gave up tech for Lent. Here’s how it helped my mental health

After a two-year struggle with anxiety, Dave Kemp gave up all electronic entertainment for Lent – TV, social media and phone-based games. This mental health week, he says it not only helped his mind, it also improved his relationship with God and his family

If you have ever struggled with your mental health, you may have mixed feelings about the oft-quoted verses from Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Some of you may be raising your hands in praise at the citing of your anchor verse. Maybe you’re rolling your eyes, knowing the pain of an out-of-context truth. Perhaps you’re somewhere in between. I know I am.

On one hand, it is scripture - and therefore, in the words of theologian Greg Thompson, it is absolutely true and given because he loves us. I believe that. But on the other, in my totally honest experience, it doesn’t always seem to work.