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Pause and Listen

Inbox is full. A long to-do list. WhatsApp keeps pinging. More meetings. Exams revision. University stress. Work. Church. Relationships. Decisions.

“Here we go again. How am I supposed to keep up?” The question may pop into our minds.

The bank holiday flew by and we’re now back in the busyness of life. Demands around us seem too great and time too little. Worry takes over. It can feel overwhelming to keep all plates spinning and the juggling between tasks.

Yet culture tells us we must keep going.

“How are you?”

“Fine, just busy” We answer almost instantly. Busyness is at times a badge of honour, a sign of our self-importance and even success. But more often than not, it is a burden we carry, chains that hold us back from enjoying life and most importantly God himself. As you read this, you may well know it in your circumstances this week and even right now.

But I’m reminded, challenged and comforted by Jesus’ countercultural words in Matthew 11:28-30. The Message paraphrase puts the verses plainly and I invite you to read them below. I find it helpful to allow a space between them to pause and listen to God, a bit like Selah in the Psalms.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me.”

Selah – pause and listen

“Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.”

Selah – pause and listen

“Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.“

Selah – pause and listen

“Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Selah – pause and listen

Yes please Lord, show us this week how to take a real rest with you beyond bank holidays and into our day to day. May we work from rest and not only rest from work. Teach us your ways, Jesus. Redeem our time for your glory.

What is God saying to you as you pause and listen to Him in these verses? What is He drawing your attention to?

And now… what are you going to do about it?

It may be that He is gently asking you to say no to good work that may not be God’s work for you, to have a better work-life balance or to explore what Sabbath looks like for you. Or even to go to bed earlier this week. Perhaps to spend less time on your phone. I don’t know what it will be for you, but can I encourage you to pause and listen to Him?

He promises us life beyond to-do lists, stress and fatigue. He calls to enjoy life in abundance with Him. There is more than this, we are called for more – not more tasks, but more life in Him. Just pause and listen.

This week’s thought was written by Isabella Senior, Baptists Together Young Leaders’ Development Coordinator