Day one: PAUSE
Verses -
Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint
Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise"
Job 37:14 Hear this, O Job; stop and consider the wondrous works of God.
Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth"
Genesis 2:2-3 so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done
Mark 1:35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
As we see in these verses and many more throughout scripture, God values a pause. He created us to need a pause.. to take time away from the present work and draw into rest. To pause is to not only recognize my humanity, but also the worthiness of God, who gives me strength, wisdom, and a refreshed perspective.
So today as the busyness of this season continues to weigh on me and causes me to feel anxious or overwhelmed, I choose to pause. I will take time to recalibrate + reset my gaze. I will not let one more day go by without taking a moment to recenter and be still before the Lord. As I inhale, I will breathe in calm and recognize that He has been with me in every moment. As I exhale, I will breathe out the lies and negative thoughts that tangle me up. Today, I will replace the noise with truth. Who is for me is far greater than any thought or weapon against me. In this moment, I know I am not alone. I am held by my Maker, and I realize that even He took time to pause. In pausing, I gain wisdom. In pausing, I gain strength. And in pausing, I gain a greater perspective that His way is greater, higher, and better.
Take time now to pause and breathe. Inhale through your nose and fill your lungs with air, expand your ribcage and relax. Exhale up and out through pursed lips as you draw everything in towards that imaginary center column. Continue this cycle as you meditate on the words of this song. Remember, you have time to take your time here. You have time to pause.
