In a world obsessive about being seen, heard and validated online, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Raye has made a refreshingly countercultural decision: stepping away from social media and leaning into Scripture as an alternative.
The Christian artist from South London recently revealed that she is taking a break from social media to guard each her faith and her mental wellbeing. Speaking to The Times, Raye shared that somewhat than endlessly scrolling through Instagram, she has been turning to a Bible app for answers.
She said: “I believe since I’ve come offline it’s been significantly better. Ignorance is bliss. If someone said I look awful in a dress, it’d make me sad. If I don’t know someone said I look awful in a dress… So, I’m really (big) on being offline.”
She also explained that after years of working “as hard as I can,” she is now prioritising balance and pulling back from the unending pressure to maintain producing, live under public examination, and remain always visible online.
And truthfully? She is true.
The dark side of social media
Social media generally is a wonderful tool, but it could also grow to be a relentless vacuum – one which quietly drains peace, clarity and confidence. Every scroll exposes us to countless voices telling us who we must always be, what we must always seem like, what success should resemble, and the way our lives should measure up.
Podcasts. Reels. Viral opinions. Perfectly curated images. It is an countless stream of comparison.
One day you’re celebrated; the following day you’re ignored. One mistake can spark public outcry and be made to look unforgivable or irredeemable within the eyes of the net world. Trends change overnight, and the world expects you to vary with them. Validation becomes addictive, and relevance can feel like survival.
But where is the reality in all of that? Where is the peace? Where is the soundness?
Too often, social media leaves individuals with more questions than answers. It can stir anxiety, insecurity, restlessness, fear and even despair. It feeds the flesh while ravenous the soul.
Anchored in Truth, not trends
That is why turning to the Word of God as an alternative is so powerful. The Bible doesn’t shift with culture. God’s truth doesn’t bend with trends or popular opinion. Scripture is constant, everlasting and life-giving (Isaiah 40:8; Psalm 119:89; Hebrews 4:12).
The Bible tells us truths our souls desperately need. We are fearfully and splendidly made (Psalm 139:14). We are chosen, holy and dearly loved (Colossians 3:12). We are saved by grace, not by performance or human approval (Ephesians 2:8-9). We are usually not defined by outward appearance, but by the condition of our hearts before God (1 Samuel 16:7). As believers, we’re called to be set apart, resisting the sinful patterns and empty pursuits of this world, and living lives that reflect God’s holiness (Romans 12:2). We are usually not meant to follow the establishment or be swept along by culture, but to walk by faith within the God who does the inconceivable (2 Corinthians 5:7).
Scripture also reminds us that we’re never alone since the Holy Spirit is our Helper, Comforter and guide (John 14:26). And even after we fall short, make mistakes or stray, God stays wealthy in mercy and abundant in forgiveness, able to redeem and restore all who turn to Him in repentance (Psalm 103:8-12). Our hope shouldn’t be rooted on this temporary world, but within the everlasting Kingdom of God (Philippians 3:20). And in every hardship, disappointment or season of suffering, we will rest in the reality that God remains to be sovereign, still good and still working all things together for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).
Most importantly, in Scripture we discover Jesus Christ – the Word made flesh – who reveals the depth of God’s love and the true meaning of our lives (John 1:14; Colossians 1:15-16). Through His death and resurrection, we’re reconciled to God, fully known and fully loved (2 Corinthians 5:18-19; Romans 8:38-39). We not must strive for the approval of the world because, in Christ, we have already got acceptance, purpose and everlasting hope (Ephesians 1:5-6; Jeremiah 29:11; 1 Peter 1:3).
Final thoughts
That doesn’t mean social media is inherently evil. It might be used for encouragement, creativity, ministry and connection. But when it becomes an idol – when likes grow to be our measure of value and algorithms grow to be louder than God’s voice – it might be time to log out and reset.
RAYE’s decision reflects something many individuals are starting to understand: peace is commonly present in disconnecting from the noise and reconnecting with God. As Jesus tells Martha, just one thing is mandatory – time with Him, listening to His words (Luke 10:38–42).
So, dear reader, perhaps the actual query is that this: who’re you turning to for answers – creation or the Creator? Who shapes your identity and purpose – followers or your Father?
Maybe we could all learn something from Raye and select the Bible app over Instagram just a little more often.
Source: https://www.christiantoday.com/news/why-raye-is-right-to-choose-a-bible-app-over-instagram
