Pause Button
How often do you use the “Pause Button?” This is a small icon showing two vertical bars, often inside a circle and will respond with a touch. It is a simple feature no doubt but has a powerful purpose. I can press pause on a video, song, podcast, or movie, and for a moment everything stops moving forward. However, the clip is not over. The song has not ended, nor has the program been deleted. It is simply held in place so I can respond to the doorbell, answer a question, or gather my thoughts before continuing.
Spiritual Pause
In many ways, our spiritual lives need a pause button as well. Life seems to keep playing; appointments, worries, disappointments, responsibilities, and distractions. Some days move so quickly that my soul is trying to keep up with what my calendar has already decided. Can you relate? We still may be functioning, still smiling, and still getting things done… but realistically we become tired, reactive, or anxious. Whether you realize it or not, this is creating a barrier between us and Jesus. That is why God lovingly calls for us to hit the pause button (Psalm 46:10). The stillness found in the moment of pausing is not wasted time. Just a holy reminder that God is God and we are not.
We need to be “still,” like using a pause button, and let the Lord work out our battles (Exodus 14:14). You see, pausing is not ending or deleting our situation, it is trusting that God is working through us in our paused moment. Jesus even understood the importance of pushing the pause button when He prayed (Mark 1:35). By pausing, James adds that it will give us time to listen instead of becoming angry (James 1:19). Ultimately, when we pause in our anxious moments, it will help us take our burdens to Jesus instead of dragging them through the day (Matthew 11:28).
Pause With God
A pause with God may be as simple as taking a deep breath and praying “Lord, help me.” It may be found reading a Bible verse on social media. By pausing silently for a few moments, you will find your heart will settle, words you are about to say become softer, and forgiveness will enter the equation. But remember, the pause button does not end the story. It will only help you resume with a clearer heart and a stronger faith. In fact, your soul will have a chance to remember where peace really comes from (Psalm 62:1). It will even bring you back to the feet of Jesus before your busyness separates you from your walk with Him (Luke 10:41-42).
And when the world says there is strength in the hustle and bustle, strength in the noise and self-control… reach for the pause button for quietness with God (Isaiah 30:15). This touch through faith will look like taking your hands off what you cannot carry and placing it into the hands of the one who can. Dear Lord, help me pause when the distractions of life are overwhelming and to look for your guidance when it comes time to resume. Amen.
Psalm 46:10
Exodus 14:14
Mark 1:35
James 1:19
Matthew 11:28
Psalm 62:1
Luke 10:41-42
Isaiah 30:15
— Phil
If you like, check out these Daily Devotions
Today’s Scripture
Psalm 46:10
God Is Our Fortress
10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Exodus 14:14
Crossing the Red Sea
14 The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
Mark 1:35
Jesus Preaches in Galilee
35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.
James 1:19
Hearing and Doing the Word
19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
Matthew 11:28
Come to Me, and I Will Give You Rest
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Psalm 62:1
My Soul Waits for God Alone
1 For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.
Luke 10:41-42
Martha and Mary
41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Isaiah 30:15
A Rebellious People
15 For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”