Day 29: Sacred Pauses

After a victorious showdown with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, the prophet Elijah should have been on a spiritual high. God had sent fire from heaven in response to Elijah’s faith and prayer—a miraculous display of divine power. But shortly after, when Queen Jezebel threatened his life, Elijah ran. He was afraid, exhausted, and deeply discouraged. He even told God, “I have had enough, Lord. Take my life” (1 Kings 19:4, NIV).

God didn’t rebuke Elijah for being worn out. Instead, He offered him rest. Under a broom tree in the wilderness, Elijah slept. Then an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” After eating, Elijah rested again. God was gently leading him beside still waters—through rest, food, and solitude. Eventually, Elijah was led to a cave, where he experienced God's presence not in wind, fire, or earthquake, but in a gentle whisper. It was in that sacred pause that Elijah found renewal.

"The Lord said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.' Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart...but the Lord was not in the wind...After the fire came a gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:11-12 NIV).

Even the most faithful servants of God can become weary—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Sometimes we expect God to move in dramatic ways, but often, He meets us in gentle, quiet moments.

Sacred pauses are necessary for the journey. They are where we realign with God's voice, and in those still places, we remember who we are and who our God is—strong, gentle, and always near.

APPLICATION

Make space this week for a sacred pause. Whether it’s five minutes in the car or a walk without your phone, ask God to meet you in the quiet.

• PRAY

Lord, thank You for meeting me in the stillness. When life feels overwhelming and I don’t know what to do next, remind me to pause and rest in Your presence. Speak to me in Your gentle whisper. Refresh my heart and renew my strength, just as You did for Elijah. I trust You to restore me. Amen.

• SAY

I welcome sacred pauses. God meets me in stillness and restores my soul.

• ASK

When was the last time I truly paused?