Each Friday my writing stems from a word prompt. Five minutes, one word prompt. The prompt this week is … Pause.
Upon seeing the word, I turn to the dictionary and read, “to cause to hesitate or be unsure, as from surprise or doubt” (from dictionary.com).Â
The daily news often has the effect of stopping me dead in my tracks to listen to a breaking story. I must give pause to hear the events unfolding and lately, they shock me time and time again.
My soul has not grown accustomed to the violence done to children and teachers, the discrimination occurring across our country, and the flat out hatred and disrespect spewed out on a regular basis.
The news gives me reason to pause – to stop, to cease my busyness, and think about life and its meaning. The news causes me to remember this is my temporary landing spot for the number of days ordained in my life. We pause here on our journey to eternity.
“For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” (Hebrews 13:14, NLT)
The news also brings me back to the place my heart longs to dwell.
“One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.” (Psalm 27:4-5, NIV)
In the pause that we find rest, our place of security, and our confidence.
In the pause we live in the assurance of God’s protection and provision.
In the pause that we find our peace.
Today I am joining … Five Minute Friday and Faith On Fire and Fresh Market Friday and Faith ”˜N Friends .
I am so with you on all of this, Joanne!
Grateful for you, Debby. May we pause this long weekend, dwell in Him, and have peace. Blessings!
YES!
I love that you went to the definition of the word. When I hear the word (movie night aside) my thoughts instantly go to the life giving rest of a pause and a breath. This is so the same and yet SO different…. The other side of the coin. I am so glad you “went there”! I needed the perspective.
I love how we all think differently as we gain a broader perspective from one another. My mind always seems to go with definitions on these one word prompts.
Beautiful and thoughtful post. Shared your gorgeous image on Pinterest too!
Sarah, thank you for being your encouraging self! May you have a wonderful and restful long weekend!
I just read this yesterday! Verse 4 is my life verse. Thanks for reminding us to PAUSE.
It’s so aching to watch the news. There are days I just can’t. Too much pain and hatred and evil. May we instead all know the redemptive power of love. I’m in the 35 spot this week.
It’s truly difficult to make sense of it all. Then come the days when a complete stranger does something good and beautiful and the Lord reminds me there is still goodness to be found. May we keep holding out His light and love and make a difference in our corner of the world. Blessings!
Lovely, thoughtful post, Joanne, and the Scripture from Hebrews really resonates with me (though perhaps for other reasons).
https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2018/05/your-dying-spouse-477-my-reason-to-live.html
Andrew, the Hebrews verse may resonate for different reasons but it is the hope we all hold onto no matter the reason 🙂 You and Barb are blessing many with your courage and faithful journey. Praying for you both!
Beautiful flowers and post, dear Joanne. I too long to dwell in His house. I’m grateful there’s a perfect place waiting for all God’s family.
Blessings on your weekend ~ Wendy
Yes and in the meantime, God has sprinkled His beauty throughout creation to be enjoyed here and remind us continually. Have a wonderful weekend!
Joanne, hi. Yes, all that swirls around us sure is giving us cause for pause these days. I find myself watching the news less and less … and praying more and more.
I so agree. I think the praying more and more has come with age and concern for future generations.
Joanne, this is a wonderful way to combat the discouragement and sadness the news often evokes. “We pause here on our journey to eternity” … so comforting! Blessings to you, my friend!
I need to remind myself that one day God will make all things right and beautiful.