When God Allows Us to Be Still Before Moving Forward
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”
It has been a while since we last gathered here.
Life has a way of moving us through different seasons. Some seasons are filled with activity, responsibilities, and constant movement. Others require us to become still, step away, and give ourselves permission to rest.
For a while, I have been away from writing and sharing here at Let’s Gather at the Bible.
Not because my love for God’s Word has changed. Not because I have forgotten the purpose of this space. But because sometimes, time away is necessary.
And I am learning that there is a difference between abandoning something and simply needing time before returning to it.
A Devotional Reflection
Sometimes we place so much pressure on ourselves to remain consistent that we forget God also created seasons of rest.
We begin to believe that if we are not constantly producing, sharing, or moving forward, we are somehow falling behind.
But God does not measure our faithfulness solely by how busy we are.
Even Jesus withdrew from the crowds to spend time alone in prayer (Luke 5:16).
There is wisdom in recognizing when we need to become still.
And sometimes, what appears to be a pause is an opportunity to regain perspective, renew our strength, and reconnect with what matters most.
A Teaching Reflection
Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us that life consists of different seasons.
There is a time to plant and a time to gather. A time to speak and a time to remain silent.
Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.
Waiting does not always mean doing nothing.
Sometimes waiting means trusting God enough to stop forcing ourselves to move at a pace He has not required of us.
Rest is not necessarily a sign of weakness.
And taking time away does not erase the value of what God has already placed in our hearts.
Healing Application
Perhaps you, too, have been away from something you once enjoyed.
Maybe life became overwhelming. Maybe you needed time to process, heal, reflect, or simply breathe.
I want to encourage you not to allow guilt to overshadow your return.
You do not have to punish yourself for needing rest.
You can acknowledge the time that has passed, appreciate what the season has taught you, and begin again.
Sometimes the most meaningful thing we can do is return with a renewed heart.
A Closing Truth
I am grateful to be gathering here again.
And as I return, I want to share something personal—a testimony of God’s goodness and what I have experienced through prayer, uncertainty, and healing.
There are things I have walked through that have strengthened my faith in ways I could not have anticipated.
And perhaps sharing them will encourage someone who is still waiting, still praying, or still believing.
Sometimes, the time away prepares us for what we are finally ready to share.
Welcome back to Let’s Gather at the Bible.
Let us continue growing together in faith, wisdom, and the Word of God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your patience with us through every season of life. Teach us to recognize when it is time to move and when it is time to rest. Remove the guilt we sometimes place upon ourselves for needing time away. Renew our strength, restore our focus, and help us return to the things You have placed in our hearts with gratitude and purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
– Dr. Owusu-Kyei
🤍 If this spoke to you, share it with someone who needs encouragement. Also, feel free to leave a comment.
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