Take Some Time to ... PAUSE

At one time or another, we all feel that our world is moving at Mach 10 speed. It can be so overwhelming. There’s so much to do that quiet time in the Word falls by the wayside. And then we wonder why everything is so chaotic.... That special time with the Lord can only bring peace to our lives. It is the one thing that should not be viewed as optional. Pausing to spend time with our Savior, to study the Word, to pray, to seek His face is the top priority in everyday life. As we continue our 10 for 10 Faith Challenge, consider this short excerpt from my booklet PAUSE: Resting in God Instead of Stressing Out that tells us about the peace that can come only from the One who saves.

PAUSE: Resting in God Instead of Stressing Out

Being the easily disturbed creatures that they are, sheep will not drink beside a raging, rushing river. They are too afraid they might fall in, and who wouldn’t be challenged by the prospect of swimming in a wooly overcoat?

So, in deference to the sheep’s desires on this front, their good shepherd will hunt high and low for a silent, still stream. If he can’t find one, he will dip the crook of his staff into the rough water and move stones around until he forms a little dam where still waters can form. He is that committed to his sheep’s refreshment. He is that committed to their care.

You and I are just like those sheep. When life’s storms gather above us and when turbulent waters rise, we can rest in the knowledge that our Good Shepherd is working diligently to seek out a silent, still stream.

Mark 4:37–41 tells the story of a crashing storm that erupts over the boat carrying Jesus’ disciples one night. The disciples thought their earthly time was up, but Jesus knew the real score. Instead of trembling, He took charge. He looked into the ominous clouds and said simply, “Peace! Be still.” The clouds, of course, complied.

In the same way, Jesus comes to us in the midst of the turbulent times in our life with those three words that carry great comfort,

“Peace!
...........Be
.................still.”

Are you facing circumstances that you can’t seem to bear?

Are you afraid you’re going under?

That you’re over your head this time?

Watch for your Shepherd, my friend, because He’s on His way. He carries a staff in His hand and promises to arrange the stones so that refreshment can be yours.