Where is the Pause Button?

One of my favourite features of streaming TV is the ability to hit Pause to answer the phone or hop over to the kitchen. Everything freezes on the screen while I do what I need to do and then starts again once I press Play on my remote. The actors will never know how long I kept them open-mouthed or with an arm waving in the air.

Don’t you ever wish life had a big PAUSE button?

When I feel overwhelmed with responsibilities or fatigue presses in, when the world around me seems dark, when people let me down (or I let them down) or are going through problems I can’t help them with, I sigh and wish I could just make everything stop for a day, or even for an hour. If I could just slow things down while I figure them out, maybe I wouldn’t feel like I’m running on a hamster wheel half the time.

Sigh.

But God didn’t give us a Pause button. In fact, He didn’t even give us a remote control. We can’t rewind our program or skip ahead, and we can’t change channels or even control the volume. It would appear we’re stuck! Except that we’re not. Because while we don’t have access to the remote, we do have access to the One who not only holds it but who made it. And He has a special way of giving us the commercial break we need even while the show goes on.

In Exodus 33:14, God told Moses: “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” In Matthew 11:28, Jesus told His disciples: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Physical rest is important, so we need to make sure we get enough sleep and don’t overwork. Mental rest is also crucial, so we may need to let go of some activities or projects that unnecessarily add stress to our lives. The most essential rest we need, however, is spiritual rest. When our souls are weary and burdened, even a 12-hour sleep won’t help.

However busy you are this week, please give yourself a break. Let go of something that won’t make the earth stop spinning if you don’t do it. Carve out even five or ten minutes during your week to meditate, pray, and listen to God. As you take care of your physical and mental health, be sure to also care for your spiritual health. You owe it to yourself, those who love you, and the One who made you.

Ann-Margret Hovsepian has written professionally for over 25 years and has illustrated coloring books since 2015. She has written hundreds of articles and is a bestselling author, co-author, or illustrator of multiple books.

Books, articles, and products by Ann-Margret Hovsepian.

Photo: Pixabay.

© 2023 XMegapolis. Used by permission.

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