PAUSE

Yea, let none that wait on Thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause. Psalm 25:3 KJV

As a child, I was instructed to stop, look and listen. Especially when standing on a street corner. In Europe, this only served me half way - because traffic is on the opposite side of how we do it here. I would look left-right-left, but the cars were coming right-left-right. After one scare, I quickly learned to pause, redirect my eyes and then step into the street.

There are times of actions, then there are times to pause. But how do we know the difference? I'd like to say I have the answer - but I do not. Not always.

Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hopes completely on the grace that you will be granted at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:13 NASB

We are to be prepared. What types of action are we to take? It depends.

First and foremost, is prayer. We can pray as we go and do. How many times are we needing to be involved in a situation, immediately? A lot of times. A child running into the street, for example. You pray as you dash to the child to remove him from harm's way.

Or, as you chat with a friend and the conversation becomes difficult. You can pray in your heart for immediate guidance, hope, and help. Your friend may be none the wiser, but you have brought him/her before the throne room of God.

There are also times of pause. Such times require thoughtful prayer, praise, and quiet. A big decision. A sticky situation. A time when direction is needed.

I have come to learn that more times than not, I need to pause. Stop, drop and roll. Because my inclination is to do one thing, whereas God wants me to do another. By the way, this is not a popular way to walk.

But to take things before the Lord and be silent - this gives me the opportunity to get my emotions, attitude and perspective adjusted. Sometimes the silence is short-lived. Other times it is days, months, years.

When you walk with the Lord in this manner, you will be questioned. You will be challenged. You will be told you are not doing enough, when in fact, you are doing more than meets the eye.

You are bringing God into every aspect of your life.

In our fast-paced, fast food society, Instagram life (emphasis mine), I think we have lost something. The ability to pause. Ponder. Meditate. Be.

My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him.

Psalm 62:5 KJV

Wait = hope. It is allowing ourselves to actually hope, waiting in expectation of God's answer, not our own. Is it difficult? Yes. Does it run opposite of our current culture? Yes.

But can we change how we operate?

Yes.

PRAYER

Father, in my running, in my busyness, I have forgotten a vital part of my life with You. Pausing long enough to reflect on You. To allow my gaze to linger. To sit in silence. To be okay with the silence and the waiting. Lord, show me how to move forward so I do not leave You behind. I want You more than anything. You are my heart's desire.