Watch and Pray

April 5, 2020

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We do everything we can to avoid painful realities. There are two techniques that have proven especially effective, however. These are hyperactivity and sedation. On one hand, we keep ourselves so busy that we stay ahead of the painful realities of our lives, and on the other, we sedate ourselves so we can sleep through the pain. We rush around all day until we finally crash,only to awaken to start the cycle all over again. Meanwhile, our souls are shriveling away. Join us for part 2 of Pause, where we learn the difference between pausing and sleeping and how God is inviting us into a deeper relationship with Him.

Pause and ask yourself

Quoting Scripture

"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"

Psalm 46:10 (ESV)

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. – Matthew 26:36-37 (ESV)

Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” – Matthew 26:38

Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. – Luke 9:32-33

And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? – Matthew 26:39-40

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41

Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. – Matthew 26:42-43

And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. – Mark 14:40

So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” – Matthew 26:44-46

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41

The Problem:

Temptation is everywhere, and we are weak.

The Solution:

Keep your eyes on Jesus.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, - Hebrews 12:1

Take the "Pause"

One hour every day
Identify and fast from your spiritual sedatives.
Don’t do it alone.

Three Warnings

It will not be easy.
You will not do it perfectly.
You cannot do it alone.

Suggested Reading List for “Pause”:

An Unhurried Life, Alan Fadling
40 Days to Lasting Change, Kyle Idleman
40 Days of Purpose, Rick Warren
A Call to Die, David Nasser
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, Peter Scazzero
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day, Peter Scazzero
Ninety Days with the Disciple Jesus Loves, Gary Lee Webber
My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers
Morning and Evening, Charles Spurgeon