Pause, Pray, Proveಮಾದರಿ

PAUSE: Stillness opens the door to knowledge.

How fast do you repost something you saw on social media? The other day, I saw a quote that sounded good. Really good. And I almost reposted it without thinking. But, thankfully, the Holy Spirit stopped me. The speed of viral social media posts rarely equals certainty. But pausing makes room for God to speak.

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be honored by every nation, I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:10 (NLT)

Notice the sequence: first be still, then know. In other words, knowing comes as we slow down. Clarity requires stepping away from the chaos of instant reactions. Certainty comes in the calm of intentional stillness.

Before we repost, react, or internalize a quote, teaching, or emotion as truth, we must pause. The world pressures us to respond quickly, but the Holy Spirit invites us to be still and respond with knowledge.

Think of Mary.

But Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. Luke 2:19 (NLT)

Mary experienced extraordinary events, yet she did not immediately react; she reflected. She kept them in her heart and pondered. Time and quiet discernment reveal whether something merely sounds true or points to the Truth.

Ask: “Is this pointing me toward a deeper knowledge of God, or toward popular opinion?”

Pausing helps create clarity before confusion takes root.

Prayer: Lord, teach me to be still and to reflect. When something stirs my spirit, whether excitement or anxiety, give me the grace to stop and listen before I move. Amen.

Action Step: Today, when you feel the urge to react to a post, text, or thought, pause for five seconds. Notice what that pause reveals.