Look Up and Live

“I would never do that!” That was the message I used to say to myself when I heard about how much people were stuck on their screens. But now, I find myself scrolling on my phone a lot, especially when I am tired. It sucks time. It affects our whole wellbeing- mentally, emotionally, spiritually, socially and physically. The messages may be repeated stories we get about racial hatred, or body image, or any number of things. The stories masquerade as truth, and we can get lured into a bubble that pretends it is telling the whole story.

I loved this roadside sign “Look up and live”. Its intention is to tell heavy vehicle drivers on construction sites not to hit overhead power lines. But I liked the sign for other reasons – look up from the screen and find life beyond the screen. Look up to God and find truth that lasts forever. Step back and take some time to reflect. Where is God in this?

In the final part of his letter to the Christians at Philippi, Paul gives directions that are helpful to us too – Rejoice! Do not be anxious! The Lord is near! I want to highlight these instructions:

“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,

whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or

praiseworthy- think about such things” (Phil 4:8).

Step back and take some time to reflect. What effects are these online sites having on me?

Am I becoming addicted? Depressed? Anxious? Swayed by people’s comments? Seduced by clickbait that wants me to go further down the rabbit hole?

Hope Christian Counselling is a good name for a team of Christian counsellors who work

with you to bring hope in your circumstances. You may want to discuss poor habits, like

internet addiction, that are controlling you. You may want to discuss unhealthy relationships

or past trauma that is hurting you now.

It seems ironic that I am suggesting to you in an online communication that it may be time

to stop scrolling and look up to God and your surroundings that are not on the internet. But

it is a life-giving message, for me as well as you. Look up and live!

Meet the author Lyndal Rogers

Lyndal is a registered counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association who offers compassionate, client-centred support that honours each person’s story, strengths, and faith. Her approach is gentle, holistic, and strengths-based, integrating emotional, cognitive, behavioural, and spiritual care. With over 40 years of experience across teaching, chaplaincy, overseas Christian ministry, and community development, Lyndal brings deep empathy shaped by her own life experiences, including international moves, cancer, and supporting family members through anxiety. She has a particular interest in supporting people through grief, life transitions, family and parenting challenges, anxiety and depression, spirituality and meaning, ministry life, and cancer-related experiences, and works with adults and teenagers aged 15+.