I used to feel distant from God… until I replaced my morning scrolling with these powerful psalms

I remember a time when my mornings began with an almost mechanical reach for my phone.

My eyes would land on the latest social media posts, news headlines, or whatever else the algorithm decided I “needed” to see.

I sensed a type of emptiness forming in the pit of my stomach, even as I scrolled, double-tapped, and occasionally left a half-hearted comment.

Honestly, I was hardly aware of how much it affected my outlook on life. By the time I finished reading those updates, my mind was scattered. Scripture felt distant, and God even more so.

That was my reality—until I decided to experiment with an ancient prayer practice.

Each morning, I replaced my scrolling habit with a deliberate reading of the Psalms, and this small change became a bridge to a profound new sense of closeness with God.

My early struggle with morning distractions

Before my encounter with Christianity, I viewed religion through a skeptical lens.

Of course, my routine reflected that.

My mornings were not dedicated to meditation, prayer, or quiet reflection. Instead, I let the clamor of notifications dictate my mood for the day.

This habit was not easy to break.

I suspect many of us wake up, roll over, and absorb a barrage of digital stimuli. At first, I believed it was harmless—just a quick way to stay informed.

However, the more I observed my own spiritual state, the more I realized that this ritual pulled me away from a deeper relationship with God.

My mind was in a perpetual state of distraction, rarely lingering long enough to hear any gentle prompting from the Holy Spirit.

Discovering the transformative power of the psalms

My turning point came as I revisited the Psalms  —a collection of sacred songs and prayers in Scripture that I had once dismissed as archaic poetry.

I remembered that the Psalms served as a prayer book for countless believers across centuries. Jesus Himself quoted them in moments of extreme joy and extreme anguish.

I started to wonder:

Why did so many individuals, from ancient worshippers in the Temple to early Christian communities, hold the Psalms in such high esteem?

My curiosity was fueled partly by the words of Isaiah 1:18, where the Lord invites us to “reason together.” It prompted me to adopt a posture of inquiry and reflection.

If God was willing to reason with me, perhaps these Psalms had deeper treasures to unveil.

I decided to dedicate my first waking moments to reading a Psalm—sometimes two—before glancing at my phone. It felt awkward initially.

My thumb instinctively hovered over the social media icons, longing to see what I might be missing online. But as time passed, the sense of distance from God began to dissolve.

3 psalms that transformed my mornings

I have spent many months exploring the Psalms, yet a handful stand out for their immediate impact on my outlook.

Below are 3 of the Psalms that I often revisit when I sense my focus drifting.

1. Psalm 23

Psalm 23 is a timeless anchor for believers worldwide.

Its gentle opening, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want,” speaks volumes to any individual grappling with anxiety or uncertainty.

By reciting or reading this Psalm, I remind myself each morning that I am not self-sufficient. Instead, I am guided by the One who leads me beside still waters and restores my soul.

I once had an insightful conversation with a friend, Lachlan Brown of Hack Spirit, about mindfulness and the role it can play in a Christian life.

He described how focusing on a short passage of Scripture can ground our racing thoughts.

Psalm 23 epitomizes this grounding power. Every line offers a form of spiritual recalibration, moving me away from a digital trance into a posture of trust and hope.

2. Psalm 51

Psalm 51 is often referred to as the Psalm of repentance.

King David penned it after recognizing the magnitude of his wrongdoing. Some might consider it too heavy for the early hours of the day, but I have found it to be astonishingly liberating. It reminds me that God does not turn away from a contrite heart.

In my skeptical years, the notion of sin felt like an abstract religious concept designed to instill fear. My perspective shifted, however, when I realized that acknowledging sin is a path toward humility.

Psalm 51 underscores that God’s mercy is readily available, so long as we approach Him with honesty.

For me, absorbing this truth first thing in the morning sets a tone of gratitude and transparency.

Before I glance at the digital swirl of information, I confront my own faults and find solace in God’s ongoing willingness to forgive.

3. Psalm 91

Psalm 91 carries an assurance of God’s protection.

It includes the well-known line, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”

Whenever I read it, the words serve as a spiritual shield. This is not to say that challenges will vanish, but it underscores the presence of a higher refuge.

I often read Psalm 91 when I sense worry creeping in, whether about personal issues or global crises. Many times, the information I encounter online early in the day is negative or anxiety-inducing.

By starting with Psalm 91, I am reminded that no matter the turbulence, there is a safe place in God’s providence.

That reminder frames my perspective and helps me engage with the world without succumbing to panic.

Reorienting my morning routine

After spending time with these Psalms, I realized that my sense of emptiness stemmed from a lack of intentional communion with God.

A simple shift — turning off notifications and choosing Scripture over social media — sparked a renewed awareness of His presence.

For anyone seeking to build a similar routine, consider these two suggestions:

• Begin with a prayer for wisdom. James 1:5 reminds us that if any of us lacks wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously.
• Keep a journal on your bedside table. Write a brief reflection on the Psalm you read, allowing those words to permeate your thoughts before the internet’s chatter takes hold.

The first few days might feel unnatural. Yet the Psalms have a remarkable way of gently but persistently drawing our hearts to God.

Over time, the distance we feel can yield a profound sense of companionship.

The profound impact of faith on my daily life

This morning pattern has influenced every aspect of my life. My conversations with friends and family feel more grounded. My frustrations with daily tasks do not escalate as swiftly.

Even my approach to the news is marked by prayerful discernment instead of quick judgment.

From a broader angle, it is fascinating how the book of Psalms serves as a nexus of worship, lament, confession, and celebration.

There is no human emotion that its authors have not expressed.

This comprehensive spectrum of human experience channeled through divine inspiration is precisely what my heart needs at the start of the day.

The times I break my habit and revert to scrolling first thing, I immediately sense a difference. My mind feels scattered, and my spirit grows restless.

In those moments, I realize how essential it is to keep cultivating a habit that draws me closer to God rather than drifting away.

Conclusion: Where do we go from here?

We live in an age saturated with digital content that beckons us from the moment our eyes open. Yet the Psalms offer a counterbalance: a deep well of spiritual wisdom that grounds us in God’s love, mercy, and power.

Is it not worth exploring whether we can reclaim our mornings for communion rather than consumption?

I have discovered that this ancient prayer book breathes new life into my soul.

Replacing my morning scrolling with the Psalms rekindled an awareness of God’s nearness. It may do the same for anyone willing to give it a chance.

Embracing this practice involves patience and perseverance, but the spiritual dividends are immeasurable.

If we take that step — choosing to immerse ourselves in God’s Word before plunging into the digital realm—we create space for a miraculous transformation.