Scripture Texts are Psalm 23.2 and Matthew 11.25-30.
Subject is “Pause on Purpose.”

How many of you have heard someone tell you, “You’re doing too much.” Or perhaps you have said that to someone you know. I have seen people in ministry who love the LORD so much that they wore about seven different hats doing this and doing that and wearing themselves out. They were doing too much. They needed a break. They needed to pause on purpose.

I.If we won’t pause on purpose ourselves, God may pause us on purpose Himself.
A.David says, “He MAKES me lie down in green pastures.”
B.God wants you and me to recognize we need rest. He wants us to come to Him.
C.In this environment in which we live, there is so much emotional and mental strain upon us. God is telling us not to make Him have to make us lie down. He wants you and me to pause on purpose to get the physical rest we need, the emotional break we want, and the mental relaxation we require.
D.If we won’t pause on purpose ourselves, God may pause us on purpose Himself.

II.Oft times a physical break precedes a mental break.
A.David says, “He leads me besides the still waters.”
B.David rested in the green pastures. Then he was led to still waters… water given by the LORD that is a spring of water welling up to eternal life.
C.Sometimes God will make us move our feet physically to leave the environment we are in to discover a place of peace where He can speak to us and we can hear from Him.
D.Oft times a physical break precedes a mental break. Allow the LORD to lead you to a quiet place to be alone with Him, a place where you can pause on purpose.

III.We can give our best after a divine reset.
A.David says, “He restores my soul.”
B.Those familiar with technology know every so often you must reboot.
C.If you and I are going to be effective in ministry, in school, in sports, or on the job, we must pause on purpose so that God can bless us with a divine reset. Then we will perform better and be more effective in what we are doing.
D.He restores my soul! He is the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd wants what is best for us!” We can have the best and give our best after a divine reset… on a regular basis. Be sure to pause on purpose.

Conclusion: Remember, if we won’t pause on purpose ourselves, God may pause us on purpose Himself. Oft times a physical break precedes a mental break. We all need a mental break sometimes. And we can give our best after a divine reset. So, pause on purpose for the LORD and for yourself.

It is my prayer that today, this day, that we all have Jesus Christ as our Shepherd. We invite you to accept Him today. Amen.