Practicing Presence in the Pause
In the chaos of our daily lives, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of activity. But what if we were to pause, just for a moment, and invite God into the midst of it all?
Scripture Foundation
Matthew 6:34 says, "So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." But what does it mean to "not worry" when our worries are very real and pressing? It means to pause, to take a deep breath, and to trust that God is in control.
Psalm 46:10 reminds us to "Be still, and know that I am God." What does it mean to be still? It means to quiet our minds, to quiet our hearts, and to listen for God's gentle whispers in the midst of chaos.
Main Content
So, how do we practice presence in the pause? Here are some practical steps:
- Take a few deep breaths: Close your eyes, inhale slowly through your nose, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Feel the oxygen fill your lungs, and the tension release from your body.
- Identify your worries: What are the things that are consuming your thoughts? Write them down, and then ask yourself, "Is this worry truly mine to carry?" Remember that you can't carry everything on your own.
- Seek God's presence: As you breathe, ask God to meet you in this moment. Invite Him to take your worries, and to fill you with His peace.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the concept of 'pausing' in Matthew 6:34 and its connection to trusting God
- Explain how Psalm 46:10 instructs us to 'be still' and find peace in God's presence
- Demonstrate the ability to apply the principles of pausing and being still in their daily routine
- Analyze how Colossians 3:2 encourages believers to set their minds on heavenly things, including the concept of pausing
- Apply the concept of presence in the pause to a specific challenging situation, using 1 Corinthians 3:1-2 as a guide
Application Steps
- Practice pausing in your daily routine: Take a few minutes each day to breathe deeply, identify your worries, and invite God's presence.
Reflection Questions
What are the things that consume your thoughts and worries? How can you invite God's presence into those moments?