The Privileged Life: Hitting the Pause Button

“He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul.” Psalm 23:2-3a

If you’re a writer, you know the pressure…you’re constantly being pushed to write by writing coaches. If you’re not writing, they say, you should be.

Yet right now among my writer friends, I know three who are not writing. They’re all excellent writers and published authors. Not writing.

They’re not resting on their laurels. They’re not discouraged. They’re not giving up forever or making excuses.

They’re taking a break. They are resting and waiting.

And their main reason? They do not have the calling from God at this moment to write. Each has a distinct priority to pursue another good activity.

Is there something in your life that needs the “pause” button? Maybe this season of Lent—a preparation for Easter—could be a time of rest for you. Usually, Lent is observed as a time of sacrifice, giving up something we hold dear, for a short time. But perhaps this could be a good time to let go of a burden, too.

If you are struggling with an unfinished project, can’t find the right direction for a career, are discouraged about a relationship, or are fearful about starting something new, push it aside if possible. Hit the “pause button.”

Use this personal sabbatical time to shift your efforts and energy into wholehearted prayer. Lay your struggles down at the foot of the cross—at the gate of the sheepfold where Christ is waiting to be your Good Shepherd. In the comforting words of Psalm 23, Jesus has promised to give us peace and rest when we seek His care. Ask Him for renewed energy afterward to tackle the specific calling He has designed for your life.

Putting something on hold is only for a season…if procrastination is your issue, ask Him to help you resume your work or efforts at the right time.

As you pray for yourself, pray for others who are going through similar trials or need to be released from an affliction. I am praying for my friends as I write this. I pray for you, my reader, to seek and find the rest that Jesus has in store for you.

I have no doubt that my author friends will be given His fire and passion to resume writing…but only in His good timing and according to His purposes for them. They are listening for the promptings of His irresistible Holy Spirit.

For you, let Jesus lead you into the green pastures and still waters waiting for you in communion with Him. He will restore your soul.

Jesus, our Good Shepherd, thank You for being our refuge and fortress in turbulent times. Please help us to recognize when we should put tasks or burdens on hold and when to move forward with them. Let us have the sweet peace, rest, and restoration You have offered to us, and give us grace to grow closer to You during this pre-Easter season. In Your name, Amen.

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Images below are from Glamis Castle, ancestral home of the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (mother of the reigning Queen Elizabeth) in Scotland