Pause and Pursue

***Audio Version Available***

Have you ever found yourself in a season where life seems to be moving a little faster than you’re used to? Not necessarily because anything is wrong, but because so many different areas of your life are requiring your time, attention, and energy all at once?

I’ve found myself in that place over the last few months. Work has picked up, my personal life has had some changes, and ministry continues to bring its own responsibilities, assignments, and opportunities to serve. Each area of my life is meaningful to me, but balancing them all has reminded me of how easy it can be to get caught up in the rhythm of everyday life. And sometimes, without even realizing it, the things that fill our schedules can begin to take up the space we once set aside to simply be with God.

I don’t believe it’s always intentional. Sometimes, we’re just living life. But somewhere in the middle of it all, we can find ourselves moving from one thing to the next without taking a moment to slow down and be still in His presence.

I’ve been reminded that being busy isn’t necessarily the problem, but it’s making sure that our busyness doesn’t cause us to lose sight of what matters most. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” A powerful reminder. In a world that constantly encourages us to keep moving, keep producing, and keep showing up, God invites us to simply pause. To be still. To remember who He is, even when everything around us seems to be moving at once.  And for me, this is a reminder that I need just as much as anyone else.

It’s easy to tell ourselves that we’ll spend more time with God when things become less hectic. We convince ourselves that once our schedules clear up, we’ll return to a more consistent routine. But life doesn’t always give us the breathing room we’re waiting for. Sometimes, one responsibility ends and another begins.  And before we know it, we’ve put off the time we intended to spend with God.  

So what if, instead of waiting for life to become less busy, we became more intentional about making room for God right where we are?

I’ve been trying to be more intentional about getting up early in the morning, when the world is still. Before the hustle and bustle opens its eyes, stretches, and yawns. Before the sun makes its appearance, sounding the alarm that it’s time to start the day.  Now, don’t get me wrong. I LOVE my sleep! But spending time with God is worth sacrificing a few extra “Zs.” Being able to spend time with the One who gives me breath each day is truly a privilege. Those quiet moments with Him help center my heart before the demands of the day begin. They remind me that I don’t have to face every responsibility, conversation, or challenge in my own strength.

Luke 5:16 tells us that Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Even with the demands of His ministry, He made time to step away and pray. That example reminds me that time with God isn’t something we should have to squeeze in only when everything else is taken care of. It’s an essential part of our walk with Him.  And this isn’t about adding another thing to an already full schedule or feeling guilty because we’ve had a busy week. It’s about remembering that our relationship with God deserves our intentionality too. The goal isn’t to withdraw from life, but it’s to remain connected to God as we live it.

I’m learning that no matter how much life requires of me, I still need those moments where I can quiet everything around me and focus on the One who gives me strength, direction, and peace. I don’t want to become so accustomed to moving that I forget the importance of being still. I don’t want to be so focused on everything I’m doing that I neglect spending time with the One who matters most.

Perhaps you’re in a similar season. Maybe work has been demanding more of you lately. Maybe your family, relationships, or ministry responsibilities have increased. Or, maybe life has simply been full, and you’ve realized that your quiet time with God hasn’t been what you’d like it to be.  If so, consider this a gentle reminder for both of us that we don’t have to wait until life slows down to draw near to God.

We can meet Him in the middle of the busy days, the full calendars, and the changing seasons. We can be intentional about seeking Him, even when our time feels limited. And when we recognize that we’ve become distracted or overwhelmed, we can simply pause and turn our attention back to Him.

Life will have its busy seasons, but let’s not become so busy living that we forget to spend time with the One who gives us life.  May we learn to slow down, remain faithful, and make room for God in every season, not just the quiet ones.  Because no matter how much life changes around us, our need for His presence never changes