Practicing Presence in the Pause
Scripture Foundation
In Matthew 6:34, Jesus teaches us to "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." What does this mean for our daily lives? It means prioritizing God's kingdom above our own desires and worries.
In Psalm 46:10, we're reminded to "Be still, and know that I am God." This ancient psalmist knew that God is sovereign over all, and in his stillness, he found peace. Can we do the same?
In Colossians 3:2-3, Paul encourages us to "set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." This means shifting our focus from the things of this world to the things of eternity.
As faithful stewards of the mysteries of God (1 Corinthians 4:2), we're called to be intentional with our time and energy. So, what does this look like in our daily lives?
Main Content
I remember a time when I was going through a particularly tough season. I was feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and uncertain about the future. One day, while taking a walk, I stumbled upon a small park. I sat down on a bench, closed my eyes, and simply breathed. It was as if I had finally allowed myself to pause.
As I sat there, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. It was as if I had finally acknowledged that I wasn't in control. In that moment, I realized that God was sovereign over all, and I could trust him with my life.
Learning Objectives
- Reflect on the importance of prioritizing God's kingdom in daily life as taught in Matthew 6:34
- Demonstrate a willingness to let go of anxiety and trust in God's sovereignty as described in Psalm 46:10
- Analyze how Colossians 3:2-3 instructs believers to set their hearts and minds on things above, not on earthly things
- Apply the principle of being faithful stewards of the mysteries of God as stated in 1 Corinthians 4:2
Application Steps
- Take a few minutes each day to pause and breathe. Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Let go of worries and anxieties.
- Reflect on your priorities. Are you prioritizing God's kingdom or your own desires?
- Make a conscious effort to set your hearts and minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Reflection Questions
What are some areas in your life where you struggle to prioritize God's kingdom?