The 3 P’s - Pause, Pray, and Preach to myself - are a series of steps I developed to help me in the midst of this crazy life. Whether I am trying to make a difficult decision, struggling in a difficult situation, or dealing with a difficult relationship, these three steps can help me to settle the squirrels and focus on doing the right thing at the right time in the right way. Let’s break down the 3 P’s and learn how to put them into practice.

1. Pause

When difficulties arise, I can feel myself getting worked into a frenzy. My thoughts are darting this way and that and I can’t think straight. It is rarely the right thing to make a decision in a state of frenzy, and I have learned that I really cannot trust my thoughts and emotions when I am rushed or worried. Except in cases of extreme danger, it is almost always appropriate to pause - even in conversation.

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”

James 1:19.

Jesus gives us a wonderful example of this when He is confronted by the religious leaders who caught a woman in the act of adultery. Keep in mind that their goal was to trap Jesus.

“But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger.”

John 8:1-11.

Over and over in Scripture we see Jesus respond in a similar way - He pauses. Because He is confident in the outcome, Jesus can stay calm and pause in the midst of challenges. He knows all will be well, and He takes direction from the Father.

We can take a cue from Jesus by pausing, and we can also have confidence like Jesus!

“So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’”

Hebrews 13:6

How can you practice the pause in order to pursue peace today? Take a breath, ask for a moment to collect yourself, step aside, go for a walk … Pausing - even for a moment - is a healthy and biblical principal.

“Hear my cry, O God of Heaven’s Armies! God of Jacob, listen to my loving prayer. Pause in His presence. God, your wraparound presence is our defense.”

Psalm 84:8-9 (The Passion Translation)