STOP
Running, Running, Running. Sometimes we feel that we have to fill every moment with something. From a text to a friend to homework to maybe entertainment, pausing doesn’t seem part of the routine. But what if it was? When you go to be with God, there’s literally nothing better for you to do than to just simply pause and be with Him letting him speak to you. Slow down. Stop running. Rest. Stop filling every minute. Rest.
Try starting with this:
First, notice the thoughts playing through your head. What’s on your mind that you just can’t seem to get them off of your mind?
Second, notice your body. How does it feel? Hot, cold, uncomfortable, sick, relaxed?
Third, notice your feelings. How do you feel this morning? Anxious, tired, excited, happy, overwhelmed?
Lastly, imagine all of it, your thoughts, your feelings, your emotions, the expectations as the moon and the stars in the sky. They are not on you anymore. You can see them all spread out. Some of them beautiful and God given. Some of what you see in the sky, though, are airplanes that are passing and fleeting and not something to pour your attention into. Sit and rest knowing that all of it is being taken care of by our loving heavenly father. Stop and admire what he has done for you.
EXHALE
Next, breathe. Breath in…and out…in…and out. Close your eyes to everything around you. God is as close to you right now as the breath in your lungs. Find peace in this thought. When you are ready, pray this simple prayer a few times while still focusing on your breathing.
As you inhale pray, “O Lord, Our Lord”
As you exhale, pray, “How majestic is your name”
LOOK
Let’s look at the word of God for you today. When God speaks, it’s important for us to pay attention. Read these words slowly and carefully. Read it a few times if necessary. Notice which words or phrases stay with you. Read the whole Psalm for full context.
“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor [....] O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”(Psalm 8:1-5, 9 NIV)
ASK
What stood out to you? Highlight/mark it in your bible. Who am I? Who am I that God looks upon me? I love this text from David where he says, “What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?” I think about this a lot in my daily life. Who am I that God is mindful of me, that he cares for me? I am nothing, no one, but God thinks about me and cares about me. God loves me. It makes me want to cry out that He truly is majestic in all of the Earth. Maybe this crosses your mind too. Consider the stars and moon and everything and realize that God cares for you too.
HEAR
What is God saying to you? Listen to hear his still small voice. Quiet your mind and search your heart. Now pray: “Speak Lord. Your servant is listening.” You are waiting to hear from the Holy Spirit. Don’t rush this. Based on the scripture you read today, is there anything God is asking you to do? What is he telling you about your relationship with Him? Read the scripture again if you need to. God is speaking to you through it. Let him. To finish up your quiet time, consider the heavens, the work of the Father, the moon and the stars and everything that is being kept in place by God. And he cares for you, your needs, and provides for you.
