We all know the feeling: we check our phones for a quick update, and suddenly, an hour has disappeared. Technology, designed to enhance our lives, has instead become a constant source of distraction. Studies show that the average person spends more time on screens than sleeping—a shocking reality that impacts our relationships, mental health, and spiritual growth.

For faith-driven entrepreneurs, parents, and professionals, this is a real struggle. We want to be fully present—for our families, for God, for our work. Yet, we find ourselves chained to our devices, missing out on moments that truly matter.

The Birth of Sabbath Space – A Personal Journey

For Erick Vargas, the wake-up call came when he tracked his screen time and discovered he was spending six hours a day on his phone. As a new father, he realized that time could have been spent investing in his family, reading Scripture, or simply being present.

His deep dive into biblical Sabbath principles revealed a cultural problem:

• We have two-day weekends, yet feel more exhausted than ever.
• The issue? We never truly disconnect.
• The Bible teaches us to set apart one day for rest, but in the digital age, true rest is almost impossible.

"I realized that even though I wasn’t working, my mind was still constantly engaged by my phone. I wasn’t really resting in the way God designed us to."

And so, Sabbath Space was born.

The Power of a True Sabbath – Why It’s More Than Just a Day Off

The Sabbath isn’t just an old-fashioned idea—it’s a God-given gift.

Jesus said, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27). This means rest isn’t a burden—it’s a blessing, meant to restore us.

But in today’s world, even on our "day off," we are:

• Checking emails
• Scrolling through social media
• Responding to messages
• Absorbing endless content

The result? We never truly rest. We keep our minds in overdrive, never pausing to simply be still in God’s presence.

Introducing Sabbath Space – A Tool to Help You Unplug

As a software engineer, Erick understood how apps are designed to be addictive. Existing screen-time blockers didn’t work because they were too easy to bypass. Sabbath Space adds an intentional level of friction, making it harder to mindlessly scroll.

How It Works:

• Uses a physical keychain device to lock distracting apps.
• You choose which apps stay open (calls, texts) and which ones get blocked.
• Unlike phone settings that let you bypass limits with a tap, this requires a physical action to unlock.

By adding one extra step, Sabbath Space helps break the cycle of compulsive phone use.

The Bigger Picture – Faith and Business in Harmony

For faith-driven entrepreneurs, digital discipline isn’t just about productivity—it’s about living out biblical principles in business.

Erick applies this philosophy in his own software business by prioritizing honesty and transparency. Instead of using aggressive sales tactics, he helps clients find the best solution—even if it means saying, "We’re not the right fit for you."

Why? Because his identity isn’t found in chasing sales—it’s found in trusting God’s provision.

Practical Steps to Digital Minimalism for Christians

You don’t have to delete all your apps or throw away your phone. Instead, take small, intentional steps to reclaim your time:

1. Assess Your Screen Time – Check your daily phone usage. Where is your time going?

2. Create Tech-Free Zones – Example: No phones at the dinner table.

3. Use Sabbath Space or Similar Tools – Build intentional friction into your habits.

4. Replace Screen Time with Something Meaningful – Prayer, Scripture, or family time.

5. Be Honest About Digital Addiction – Acknowledge where technology is controlling you and seek change.

Take the First Step

Technology should serve us, not control us. Sabbath Space is more than an app—it’s a movement to reclaim time for what matters most.

Your challenge: Try a digital Sabbath this week. Whether it’s one day, a few hours, or just a focused dinner without distractions—see how it changes your focus and connection with God.

Join the Digital Sabbath Movement

• Visit SabbathSpace.io to learn more.
• Get the keychain and start building intentional rest into your life.
• Share your journey – How do you Sabbath in a tech-driven world?

By embracing true rest, we not only restore our energy but also realign our hearts with God’s design for us.