We live in a world full of noise. There is so much movement and so many forces pulling at us. It can become so easy to get lost in everything trying to gain our attention. In these chaotic moments, God may be calling you to pause and be still. Psalm 46:10-11 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Isn’t it incredible how some Christians can go through the worst suffering and pain but still find joy? They can do this because they are still. They put all of their concerns into God’s hands. God may be trying to reach you right now. Instead of tuning into the noise of your worries, frustrations, and concerns, listen to the voice of God. Here are five signs God is telling you to pause.
You’re Frustrated
Your very frustration may be God telling you it’s time to stop and listen to Him. Frustration generally shows up when we’ve fallen off course with God. It may be coming up when something personal has happened or when we feel like we’ve been wronged in some way. The book of Ecclesiastes tells us over and over again that continuous anxiety will only end in frustration. It is God who gives us exactly what you need. The Bible reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). God loves you so much that He wants to be close to you, even in your frustration. There is no battle that we can take on, physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually that we can handle without God interceding. Pause and trust whatever He may be trying to tell you.
Spiritual Fatigue
If you’re feeling spiritually fatigued, God may be telling you to pause. Sometimes, we’re so caught up in the cycle of life that it impacts both our physical and spiritual well-being. Do you notice yourself more sluggish and tired than usual? This may be the result of ongoing spiritual battles and separation from God. This may also be caused by spiritual fatigue. It may not just be your body that’s exhausted. It may also be your soul. This may also be a sign that you have become separated from God, and you lost yourself along the way. When you begin to feel spiritual fatigue, it’s imperative that you reconnect with God. Call on God and ask Him where He wants you to be led.
Hectic Schedule
Another big sign that God is telling you to pause is when your schedule is incredibly hectic. We all go through busy seasons in our lives. You feel like you don’t have time for yourself, let alone what God is trying to tell you. Jesus urges us, “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give your rest” (Matthew 11:28). If it seems like your life is too busy for God, you should be sure that God is rooted in your day to day life. You can never be too busy for God when He is embedded in everything you do. When you feel incredibly overwhelmed, you can know that God is right there, calling you to slow down and grounding you.
You’re Chronically Anxious
When you’re chronically anxious, you will find yourself dreading each day. Dread can show up in different ways. It feels like a dead weight, a burden. It can take over your life and make it difficult for you to make the moves you need to move forward. This is a big sign that God is telling you to be still. Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave or forsake you.” There are several times in the Bible where God told people to write down what was most important to them. He told them to write these things on tablets, doorposts, stones, and even their hearts. One bible character God told to do this very thing is David. As David paused and wrote these things down, He started to see how big God really was. Psalm 54:6-7 is a great example: “I will give thanks to Your name, O Lord, for it is good. For He has delivered me from every trouble, and my eye looked in triumph on my enemies.” If you are chronically anxious and experiencing dread, write out your worries and then write out why those fears are irrational. You will realize that the things that seem so big are really small on paper as you do this.
No Longer Worshipping
One of the toughest challenges we will face on our spiritual journey is truly trusting God’s Will in all circumstances. This can get even more difficult when our faith is tested. A big sign God is telling you to pause is when you feel like you’re pulled away from worship. Worship is one of the greatest ways we connect with God, so when we are no longer energized by worship, God is trying to tell us something. This may be the result of a spiritual battle taking place in our lives. Psalm 107:28-29 says, “Then they cried out to LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He still the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.” God wants you to pause and cry out to Him in your trouble.
It can be so difficult trying to find the space to pause. While being still is difficult, it is one of the only ways we can truly connect with God. In order to pause, we have to be able to hear God’s voice and the messages He is trying to send us. You may have trouble hearing His voice directly, but if you are aware of the signs, you may be able to figure out what He is trying to say to you.
