Wednesday’s Word: PAUSE

It had been what I thought was a normal childhood day, complete with school, after-school snacks, and tv with the siblings for a bit before we had some playtime before dinner. And yet, I found myself in my mom’s bedroom sobbing in her arms. I remember walking in the room, and bursting into tears. As she sat on her bed, taking me by the hand to sit on her lap, she said “Oh, Misty, what happened? What’s wrong?” Through my sobs, I managed to eeek out, the words that often came from mouth when this sort of thing happened, “I I I I….don’t knooooow!”

Sometimes life gets a bit out of control, doesn’t it? Sometimes it seems to be emotionally exhausting circumstances that take us to the brink of tears. Other times, it can simply be the pace at which we are doing life.

Recently, we have had a busy family schedule. We are finishing up our month of weddings; two sons within two weeks of the other getting married was quite a feat. It was wonderful. Delightful. Exceptional. And any other great words we can think of to describe it. But today, post-wedding week, I find myself taking time to PAUSE. I need it.

I need time to sit on my deck and just let the last month sort of soak into my soul. Reflect upon the conversations. Rejoice in the covenants made. Renew my spirit, as I praise God for all He has done in the last month.

You see, taking time to PAUSE is important. Even when great things are happening, we need to PAUSE. Even when the list of activities on our calendar are exciting and wonderful, we need to PAUSE. We need to allow God to minister to us in every way. And when we don’t, we end up like I did when I was a child, crying in my mom’s arms…uncertain of why I was feeling so overwhelmed.

I’m not going to pretend I don’t still have some times in my life when I allow life to build up to the point that my emotions come pouring out. I have times when I find myself in my husbands arms crying. Sometimes I can identify where the tears are stemming from, and other times I just manage to eek out the childhood, “I I I…don’t knoooow!” But when I do, there’s always a gentle reminder from my hubby, that indeed, “life” has gotten to be a bit much and it’s time for a PAUSE.

Is there something in your life that needs to PAUSE today? Maybe be a crazy schedule, one where you need to notify family that you are “checking out” for a bit? Or perhaps social media is sucking you in and dragging you down, so you need to push the PAUSE on that for a while. It could even be specific people; sometimes we need a break from people. It may be work. It may be television. The list goes on, and the answer will be different for you than it is for me. The important thing is that we find out what it is, and take action.

My challenge for each of us is two-fold. First, let’s look around and PAUSE long enough for God to speak to our hearts, showing us what parts of our lives, we need to “check out” of for a bit. And secondly, once we do PAUSE, let’s allow God to minister to us. Dive into His Word. Saturate ourselves with prayer. Soak up some time with healthy people. 

The following verses spoke to me during my time of PAUSE and prayer. I hope they speak to you, as well. After doing some research on the biblical use of PAUSE, I found that many scholars agree that the Hebrew word  (used over 70 times in scripture) “Selah” means PAUSE. So it was interesting to read the chapters in Psalm that use the word PAUSE. I hope you enjoy seeing when David used Selah, and how it fits within his story. And I’ve also included additional scriptures that touch my heart when I am in need of PAUSING, resting, being refreshed. Scriptures are taken from New English Translation. 

Psalm 3:1-8 (Psalm of David when he was fleeing from his son, Absalom)

Lord, how numerous are my enemies!
Many attack me. 
² Many say about me,
“God will not deliver him.” (Selah) 
³ But you, Lord, are a shield that protects me; 
you are my glory and the one who restores me,

⁴ To the Lord I cried out, 
and he answered me from his holy hill. (Selah)
⁵ I rested and slept;
I awoke, for the Lord protects me.
⁶ I am not afraid of the multitude of people
who attack me from all directions. 
⁷ Rise up, Lord!
Deliver me, my God!
Yes, you will strike all my enemies on the jaw;
you will break the teethof the wicked. 
⁸ The Lord delivers; 
you show favor to your people. (Selah) 

Psalm 4:8 

I will lie down and sleep peacefully,
for you, Lord, make me safe and secure, 

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 

Misty Cramer is an author & speaker who recently released her first book. The Every Day God, 40 Daily Devotions for Walking with God through Everyday Moments, quickly made its way to Amazon's #1 New Release and Best Seller lists in multiple categories. In this book, she authentically shares her own story to remind us all that God has a specific plan, even in the midst of life's messes. She has been married to Todd for 39 years and has five adult sons. While they enjoy their time as "empty nesters" in rural Michigan, they also love visits from their sons, four daughters-in-law, and three granddaughters. Misty sends out a monthly devotion, and she'd love to send it along to you. The link to subscribe to the devotion, as well as the link to Misty's book can be found below:

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