Things are moving along just fine when suddenly God hits the pause button in the middle of your day, calling, journey, or task.

Your plans freeze. Progress halts. You can’t move forward, and the harder you try, the more you make a mess out of things. Soon, you’re doubting that you’re even on the right path.

You’re tempted to quit, return to a previous and much faster pace of progress, or barge forward and demand to see results. Anything but this standing still business!

Oh, precious soul. Don’t be discouraged, and don’t grow impatient. As always, pray and seek God’s will in your situation.

Have you been ignoring Him? Are you looking to others instead of your heavenly Father for advice? Are you trying to pry open the lock on the door that seems to be standing in your way? Do you feel pressured or frantic to keep up while others pass you by?

Perhaps God is holding you back because you’re in danger of wandering away from Him and His protection.

Or maybe you’ve just come through a devastating, heart-wrenching storm or an intense spiritual battle, and He simply wants you to rest – in Him.

Maybe you’re becoming prideful, and God wants to make sure you remember Who’s in control and Who’s calling the shots. (Hint: it’s not you!)

Perhaps God is shifting your course, and you must be still and listen for His new direction.

Or maybe, just as He hemmed in the Israelites at the Red Sea, He’s about to perform a miraculous feat in your situation. He wants you to stop and see the next thing that’s about to happen is ALL HIS DOING – you could never manipulate, force, or even imagine such an incredible, eye-opening, jaw-dropping miracle. Make no mistake, all the glory will belong to Him.

Regardless of “why?” God hit the pause button in your life, trust Him in the stillness, stay close to Him, and wait for Him to speak. He will direct your next step. Don’t panic.

Remember, when the Lord makes His sheep lie down, He not only stays with them, tending to their needs, but He also instructs them to move when it’s time. 

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures.” 

(Psalm 23:1-2a NIV.)

“I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord.” 

(Ezekiel 34:15 NIV.)