Episode 112: Pause In His Presence

As we come to the close of 2023, I want to take a moment to reflect on this incredible journey we've been on together through the Overflow Worship Podcast. This has been a year filled with spiritual and leadership growth, practical resources, and encouragement for worship leaders in volunteer-supported ministries. Whether you’ve been with us all year or are just tuning in, thank you for being part of this community!

Today, I’m offering something different—a pause. As we head into one of the busiest seasons for worship leaders, I want to remind you that it’s okay to take a moment to breathe, reflect, and be restored. Let’s use this time to remember why we do what we do and to refocus on the joy we have in Christ, especially during this Christmas season.

Reflecting on the True Meaning of Christmas

In the hustle and bustle of ministry life, it’s easy to lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. We are often so busy preparing worship services, managing teams, and fulfilling countless other responsibilities that we forget to pause and reflect on what this season is truly about.

I want to share a thought from a devotional I wrote for the YouVersion Bible app. Picture the wise men and shepherds seeing Jesus for the first time—the long-awaited Messiah. Generations had anticipated His arrival, and now, He was finally here. The moment they saw Him, none of their doubts or waiting mattered anymore. God had kept His promises, and they were gazing at the proof of His faithfulness.

"They were looking at the proof—the proof that all their waiting and trusting was worth it. And He was lying in that manger."

This same proof of God’s promises and joy is available to us today. As worship leaders, it’s important to remind ourselves that the joy of the Lord is our strength, especially when life and ministry feel overwhelming.

Restoring the Joy of Your Salvation

This year, you might be feeling drained—physically, emotionally, or spiritually. The pressures of leading in a busy church season can leave us feeling depleted. But we don’t have to wait until the season is over to find joy again. We can experience it right now.

Psalm 51:12 says, "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." If you’re feeling worn out, take a moment to pray for God to restore your joy. Joy doesn’t come from having everything figured out or from checking off your to-do list—it comes from knowing that God is faithful, and He is with you.

"You don’t have to wait until the season ends, or until things slow down, to experience joy and restoration. You can have it right now."

A Pause in His Presence

One of the best ways to restore joy and peace in your life is to take time to pause in God’s presence. This may sound simple, but how often do we truly set aside time to be still and allow God to refill our hearts and minds?

If you're anything like me, you may find yourself caught up in the busyness of preparing for worship services or thinking about everything that needs to be done before Christmas. I was convicted recently because I realized I hadn’t fully paused in God’s presence. I hadn’t sat quietly before Him without bringing my long list of worries and tasks.

"I realized I hadn’t fully settled my mind and heart. I needed to pause and just be restored in His presence."

That’s what I want to encourage you to do today. Find a moment—whether it’s just for a few minutes—to pause and rest in God’s presence. Even if your mind is racing with things to do, give yourself the gift of sitting quietly with God. Let Him renew your strength and restore your soul.

Finding Joy Amid the Busyness

As worship leaders, we carry the weight of stewarding the Christmas season, bringing joy to our congregations, and leading worship with excellence. But this responsibility can sometimes leave us feeling exhausted or even dreading the workload ahead.

Remember that God doesn’t want you to live in a space of depletion. He wants you to experience the joy and peace that comes from knowing Him. Take time to pause, refuel, and find that joy again.

"If it causes us to live in a space where we're completely depleted, exhausted, or dreading it, that’s not where God wants us to be."

You don’t have to wait until the season slows down to experience joy. You can find it in the midst of your busy schedule by pausing, resting in God’s presence, and allowing Him to restore your soul.

Merry Christmas and Pause in His Presence

As we wrap up 2023, I want to encourage you to take a deep breath and rest in God’s presence. Whether you're in your car, at work, or at home, allow yourself a moment to pause and reflect. Let God fill you with joy, peace, and renewed strength for the days ahead.

To help you do this, I’m ending this podcast with the last track from my album, Pause In His Presence. It’s a simple instrumental piece designed to give you space to rest and reflect, even if only for a few minutes. Let it be a moment where you recharge and find the strength to finish this season well.

From all of us at Overflow Worship, Merry Christmas! We pray that you will be filled with everything you need during this busy season. May the joy of the Lord be your strength, and may you continue to lead from the overflow, not the overwhelm.

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I look forward to all that 2024 will bring!

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