The Power of Pausing

When we take time to pause, particularly when someone says or writes something that bothers us, in that pause we create space for God to enter. Suddenly we shift from a place where we react to a place where we respond. The reaction is fear-based and weak. The response is spirit-filled and strong.

In that pause we may ask ourselves, “What is going on here? Why does this bother me?” These questions reveal whether we feel threatened, scared, uncomfortable, or simply misunderstood. Knowing the answer we can respond in a way that leads to a solution to the problem. If we react, the underlying problem still exists while creating a second problem because a negative reaction from one usually leads to a negative reaction from the other.

Why is the pause so powerful? In essence, it is a prayer without words.