As I sat down to journal these pages, the Holy Spirit brought to mind lessons on “the power of the pause” from the Rest Here devotional which I journaled through last year. I remembered that God uses pauses to invite us to draw near for a heart check. And I reflected on recent moments where the Holy Spirit led me to pause a bit.
walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5:16, 25
Pausing for insight
He led me to pause during an online interaction with someone who appeared to be more intent on arguing their point than on having a discussion.
Pausing to receive insight into a person or situation leads us to respond with kindness (which means to be helpful) instead of reacting. It allows us to participate with the Holy Spirit.
Pausing allows us to realize that, sometimes, a response is simply unnecessary. Sometimes, the best response it to bless others by praying for them. Forgive and let it go.
Pausing for strength
I finished a load of laundry on the weekend and dumped it out on my bed. I was about to put the clothing away even though I felt tired. But, I was led to leave it, for now. I was in a much better mood when I returned to the task later.
Pausing for the strength, that comes through rest, instead of pushing through the fatigue, while grumbling, leads to worship.
In this case, the task was laundry, which needed to be done. However, in some cases, the task may be completely unnecessary and that insight only comes after the pause.
Pausing to give thanks
Similar to the previous point, pausing to give thanks for things I would otherwise be tempted to complain about, in my fatigue, leads me to remember His grace. I can then respond as one who is blessed.
There is grace for each moment if we take the time to reach for it. If we pause to receive His leading and, thereby, walk by the Spirit.
whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked.
1 John 2:6
Products used
My journaling is in my faith journal which is a basic, blank, A5 notebook.
I used the following printables from Illustrated Faith’s digital Print Pray Shop:
The stamp set and washi tapes are also by Illustrated Faith. They are older products that I had in my stash, and are no longer in stock.
Be encouraged
🎶 Grace and Peace ~ Sovereign Grace Music
Grace and peace, oh, how can this be
Let songs of gratefulness ever rise, never cease
Loved by God and called as a saint
My heart is satisfied in the riches of Christ
Oh, what an amazing mystery
What an amazing mystery
That Your grace has come to me
Grace has come to me
I realize that, in some circumstances, it can be difficult to pause and be clear-headed let alone be Spirit-led. Dying to self, putting away the old person, and choosing God’s way is not easy but is a command and, therefore, very possible. It takes practice.
We have to remember that the Spirit we are given is one of power, love, and self-control.
That power is not a boost, resolve, or pep talk; it is resurrection power – it can do the impossible. That love is for God which motivates us to do His will and walk in His wise ways. And, self-control is a fruit or result of the Spirit of God working within us.
Living surrendered to the Holy Spirit is a blessing and so very worthwhile. To God be the glory!
at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.
Ephesians 5:8-10
