SCRIPTURE:
“Do not let Hezekiah mislead you when he says, ‘The Lord will deliver us.’ Have the gods of any nations ever delivered their lands from the hand of the king of Assyria? Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? Have they rescued Samaria from my hand? Who of all the gods of these countries have been able to save their lands from me? How then can the Lord deliver Jerusalem from my hand?” But the people remained silent and said nothing in reply, because the king had commanded, “Do not answer him.”
Isaiah 36:18-21
OBSERVATION:
King Hezekiah knew the opposition they would face. With the commander questioning them, they didn’t flinch. As King Hezekiah called them to, they did not react.
APPLICATION:
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received was in the importance of the pause. It’s something that I share with many now. When faced with conflict, when faced with opposition and faced with those who are just trying to get a rise out of me, I practice the pause.
There are several reasons for this. For starters, my emotions could very well get the better of me and I may say and do something I’ll regret. For another, I may possibly be wrong with my feelings and assumptions and make matters worse. Lastly, I want to ensure that I have time to respond, NOT react.
There are vast differences between the two. Reactions are typically done without thinking, involving our emotions and usually focused on ourselves. Reactions are about self-preservation. Responses allow us to think things through, looking towards the good of all involved. Responding does its best to find a win-win solution.
One of my favorite sayings on practicing the pause is this:
“Practice the pause. When in doubt, pause. When angry, pause. When tired, pause. When stressed, pause. And when you pause, pray.”
When the challenges of life come, I must remember this – Practice the pause.
PRAYER:
Father Almighty. Forgive me Lord for times when I have reacted and made things worse for all involved. Thank You Lord that You call us to practice self-control. When life happens, may I practice the pause, this I pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
