Breath in, 1. 2. 3.
Breath out, 1. 2. 3.
Pause.
Many of us do this within our days. We "take a moment" when the kids are driving us insane, that co-worker is really pushing your buttons today, or your spouse is just trying their luck today. Regardless of the situation, there are times throughout our weeks that we need to hit the "pause" button for just a minute. However, as a Jesus follower, I prefer "Holy Pause."
Holy pause is a term I heard for the first time at the Hickory Grove Great Banquet #54. I mean, I might have heard it before, but there is where it finally "stuck" to me. Sometimes I need to take the holy pause for myself, and other times for the person who stands before me and does not need to feel the wrath of my emotions, which is usually anger. A Holy pause, a moment to pause and reflect on who I am in Christ and how to proceed no matter what is before me.
But I am not telling you anything new here; you probably learned this in kindergarten or from your Sunday School teacher. Whatever they called it, you learned to breathe in and breathe out, check yourself, and then decide how to proceed. However, I most adore the "Holy Pause" when I see it acted out wholeheartedly to God. To truly take a holy pause and wait for the Lord to speak before proceeding. There are many ways to hear Him speak, i.e., Bible, visions, whispers, and downloadable thoughts; this topic can be an idea for another blog one day. However, I personally always go to the Bible first. It is there where He never fails to meet me and renew my mind with His goodness that equips me for what is to come. "'Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.'" Romans 12:2.
I wait for your salvation, Lord. Genesis 49:18
Israel, formerly known as Jacob, is a prime example of a holy pause in this one specific verse. When Israel was "Jacob, the deceiver," he had a lot of ups and downs regarding his behavior. He really was a "knucklehead ." But, let's be honest, "deceiver" fit him well during his youth. However, thankfully, as many of us start as "knuckleheads," we can't stay that way too long when our incredible God begins guiding us. As a result, Israel grew in wisdom in his old age, and before he died, he prophesied to all 12 of his sons. But that little nugget above in Genesis 49:18 always gets me, and here's why!
Israel (Jacob) had been prophesying for 18 verses, he's been through 7 of his 12 kids and seems to be on a roll, but then he waits and takes a holy pause. He shows faithful obedience here by waiting for the Lord to continue to speak through him before continuing to talk to his sons. To pause and wait. Not caring how it sounds, he simply pauses and waits. I mean, wow, I pray for that kind of obedience. When the Lord wants me to give a word to one or many, I pray that I only speak when He speaks. That nothing comes from my mouth unless He wills it!
Even here in Numbers, Moses shows the same discipline of waiting on the Lord and would not reply to them until he heard from the Lord:
'Moses replied to them, “Wait here until I hear what the Lord commands for you.” ' Numbers 9:8
Think about it, how much better would the world be if we all took the time to take a holy pause and wait for the Lord. Whether speaking or moving, think how much better the world would be if we actually waited on God. To inquire of the Lord in everything we do and say.
At the beginning of King David's reign, he almost does this flawlessly. He inquires of the Lord so much; it caused me to consider how often I do this--the answer is not nearly enough! King David ran from Saul for over ten years (no one actually knows how long), but David often showed how he did not act without the Lord's approval.
God wants us to inquire of Him about everything. E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G! When we inquire of the Lord, we have nothing to fear because He always knows best. From the littlest to the biggest, He wants to be involved. The more we inquire of the Lord, the more we can rest in Him and align our hearts with His. Patience truly is a virtue when waiting on God to answer. Is it easy? HECK NO! Patience is not my strong suit. But I know that life gets a lot clearer for me when I pause and wait on Him instead of running ahead of Him or speaking before hearing.
God is growing and equipping us to become stronger vessels and brighter lights for the world in our waiting. Because as I always say, what is the point of life if we are not continuing to grow His Kingdom? What is the point if we are NOT multiplying and bringing more and more people to heaven? I don't know about you, but I no longer just want a 100 people behind me; I want MILLIONS coming to Jesus because when He used me, I didn't hesitate--I spoke boldly and with love and moved with confidence knowing, without any doubts, He was working through me. And the only way to do that, my friends, is to take our holy pause, stay, and wait.
Stay in His presence, stay dwelling in His Word, and stay confident He will speak to you when the time has come. Wait on Him to speak and only speak when and what He says to speak and only move when He says to move. Simply pause, stay, and wait for His beautiful whisper.
Something so simple yet is so hard. So I'm going to leave with this beautiful scripture:
'But Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, I will say whatever the Lord says to me.” ' 1 Kings 22:14
Such a small sentence, but what a big statement Micaiah makes! Let us all take a holy pause and reflect on how we can be more like Israel (Jacob), Moses, David, Micaiah, and many others from the Bible that are genuine examples of waiting on the Lord.
Now pray to God, ''Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.' Psalms 139:23-24
Now listen.
*Feel free to share with me at contact@devotion2jesus.com

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