I Choose Today to Make Space for the Pause

I was listening to a new podcast the other day. I know the host and her message, so I expected it to be rich in content. But by the end of the episode, I couldn’t remember anything she said.

The problem wasn’t with her message—like I said, I know her content is full of wisdom and depth. The problem was the pace. She was talking so fast that one thought ran into another and then another. As a listener, I wasn’t given the space to contemplate her words, to meditate on them, or let them sink in. There was no room for them to land and take root.

As a communicator, I’m learning that in order to be effective, I need to give my listeners space for my words to land and take root. There is truly wisdom in the pause, as I like to say. The pause is where the action happens. Where the ah-ha moments take flight. I’m learning to speak—and to pause—in a way that allows that space to happen.

And this is just as true in our time with the Lord.

We sit down, read a passage of Scripture or a devotional, maybe even whisper a quick prayer asking for blessing, healing, or strength to get through the day. But then we move on. We don’t slow down. We don’t make space for God to speak. We don’t wait long enough to hear what He wants to show us. His words don’t have time to take root because we don’t pause long enough to let them land.

There’s no time to listen to what He has to say about our day—the plans He has for us, the gentle whisper of reassurance or redirection. There’s no stillness. No posture of attentiveness. We ask, but we don’t wait. We seek, but we don’t sit. We rush right past the very presence we came to encounter.

When His whispers are competing with our never-ending to-do list and all the things we’re trying to accomplish, it’s no wonder we struggle to hear Him. Not because He’s not speaking—but because we’re not giving Him space.

Just like my friend needs to slow down and give her listeners time to meditate on her words, we need to slow down, lean in, and allow the Lord space to speak into our lives.

Let’s choose today to make space for the pause.

You don’t have to do all of these—just start with one. Let God meet you in the pause.

1. Try a One-Minute Stillness Practice.
Before you open your Bible or journal, set a timer for just one minute. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. Whisper, “Speak, Lord. I’m listening.” Don’t fill the space. Just be still.

2. Use a Simple Journaling Prompt.
After reading Scripture or finishing your quiet time, ask yourself:

• What word or phrase stood out to me?
• Why do I think that word is resonating today?
• What might God be inviting me to do or notice?

3. Listen for the Whisper.
After you pray, instead of closing your Bible or standing up, ask:
“Holy Spirit, what do You want me to know about today?”
Then wait. Even if nothing comes immediately, you’re learning the rhythm of stillness. Sometimes the answer will come as a thought later in the day.

4. Try ‘Lectio Divina’ (Divine Reading).
Pick a short passage. Read it slowly. Pause. Read it again. This time, notice what stands out. Read it a third time, asking, “God, what do You want me to hear?” Finish by writing or praying your response.

5. Replace the Checklist with Conversation.
Instead of trying to ‘get through’ your devotional, treat it like a starting place. If a verse hits your heart, stop there. Sit with it. Let it breathe. Ask God why it matters.

Your Turn:

What would it look like for you to pause today?

Choose one way to slow down, quiet the noise, and create space for God to speak. Maybe it’s a one-minute stillness practice, a journaling prompt, or simply sitting a little longer after prayer. Whatever it is, be intentional—and trust that He’ll meet you there.