We all need a pause button in life. Our minds are always thinking and recording a movie script. There are bills to pay, with unexpected expenses always appearing at the wrong moment. The dialogue never stops, whether at home or work. There are loved ones to take care of with no one to help. The last thing we think about is hitting the pause button will help us regain our mental and spiritual health. We tell ourselves we don’t have the time to waste. We cannot stop the ride, get off, and quiet our souls. (Calming My Restless Mind)
However, without a pause button, our lives spiral out of control. The scripture and experience teach us we need Sabbath breaks and rest. So, when life knocks the wind out of our sails, we can catch our breath. The pause button helps us take a moment to reflect and regain our bearings. Meditation and prayer help us gain an eternal perspective on what is happening around us. In the pause and stillness, our minds discover answers to problems we cannot see. (The Practice of Christian Meditation and Prayer)
The pause frees us to let the moment be what it is, no matter how hectic and out of control it feels. Take a deep breath and invite the Holy Spirit to comfort you. Make it your intention to focus your entire being on the resurrected Christ living within you. Let the presence of Christ refresh you each time you stop. Realize at the end of the pause you start with a new beginning and the hope to take the next step forward in your life.
Use contemplative prayer or solitude, whatever it takes to change the adverse scenery in your mind and replace it with the living word and the spirit of Christ. Sometimes even walking can change your perspective and outlook on everything. I encourage you when you pause to focus on something to be thankful for and release your cares into the arms of Christ.
Scripture:
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. Genesis 2:3 NIV
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will gi
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. Genesis 2:3 NIV
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Mathew 11:28 NIV
