Just in time for Mother’s Day weekend, I’ve invited my friend Karen Ehman to share a devotional with us from her new book, Pressing Pause: 100 Quiet Moments for Moms to Meet with Jesus. We’re also giving away TWO COPIES of the book and one beautiful bracelet. Keeping reading to find out more.
As a little girl I loved being outdoors. I could often be found playing kickball with the neighborhood kids or riding my bike around the block. I liked to splash in puddles and jump in piles of leaves. There was one aspect, however, about being outside that I didn’t particularly care for: the critters.
Spiders were scary … dogs terrifying. And I couldn’t even bear the thought of snakes.
My intense fear of these creatures often kept me from fully engaging in play.
Unfortunately, even when I didn’t encounter creepy-crawlies outdoors, they occasionally wound up in my dreams at night. I would have the same reoccurring nightmare of snakes slithering toward me while I stood frozen, unable to run away. When I would wake up, I would be in a panic, heart wildly beating, palms sweating. I never thought my fears would go away until the one summer when I had no other choice.
The summer I turned 20, I took a job at a nature center teaching four-year-olds. It didn’t cross my mind that keeping company with critters would be a part of my duties. I had to capture insects to examine and release, scoop tadpoles to study pond life, and even hold the snakes that were kept in glass tanks in the main building.
Although everything in me wanted to run away, there were little eyes on me. So, I whispered a prayer for strength, pushed past my fears, and made those kids think I was a critter-lovin’ instructor whose calm demeanor (and lack of screaming!) showed them there was nothing to fear. If their teacher wasn’t freaking out, why should they?
Even though I worked through my fear that summer, as an adult now, I’m still tempted to “freak out” with fear. My imagination concocts all sorts of scenarios peppered with dread and doom. Sometimes I can’t shake fear as I try to fall asleep.
But I have come to trust this perspective-shifting truth: God is not worried. He’s not in heaven wringing His hands, wondering just how everything will eventually turn out. He is in control. He is loving.
God longs to use the circumstances of our lives to mold our mind, craft our character, and chase away the fears that threaten to slither in, paralyzing us and rendering us ineffective.
Ever the patient and wise teacher, if He isn’t freaking out, why should we?
Proverbs 3:24-26a is a sweet promise to us…
Now that passage doesn’t promise that we won’t ever encounter sudden disasters in life. But it does reassure us that we have no need to fear them. Why? Because the Lord—our gracious and wise teacher—is our security. He will be there to comfort and to guide as He teaches us the lessons we need to learn.
With God as our security, we can have calm in our present.
With God as our security, we can face the future without fear. And we can share this confidence we gain to inspire others, helping to keep them from unnecessary fret and worry.
Why it even helps me deal with little critters that get inside my house without squirming.
Well . . . without squirming too much.
Enter to Win
We are giving away two Pressing Pause devotionals and a beautiful bracelet from Fashion & Compassion. Written by my dear friends Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk, Pressing Pause: 100 Quiet Moments to Meet with Jesus offers us a calm way to start our day, to refresh ourselves in Christ and drink deeply of His presence so we are ready to pour out love, time, and energy into the people who matter most!
These 100 encouraging devotions for moms has helped me start each day with Scripture, drawing on God’s power, soaking up His Word, and learning practical ways to love and 
serve my family more like Christ each day. And one of my favorite features is the set of questions and optional journaling or notes area at the end of each day’s devotional.
Just a few minutes each day can help you center your heart and mind on what God has for you as His beloved daughter. So resist the rush. Halt the hustle. Press pause and find some calm in the chaos.
TO ENTER TO WIN simply click “Share Your Thoughts” below today’s post and do just that. Your comment will be your entry into the drawing! Two winners will be chosen and contacted on Monday, May 9th.
The critters in my life are not insects or animals. It’s my daughters battling cancer. Jesus, prayers and devotions have been our strength. So what ever your critters are keep your eyes upon Jesus. In Him Susie
I fear spiders and often wonder why God created them! I know they do some good, so He was wise a king them. What a great scripture to keep close in my mind and heart to help accept the little things.
One of my fears also are spiders, especially the ones you can buy in the pet store. I will not even go down that isle with my boys. I can see a picture of them and get the hebby jebbies. And if i see a picture of one before i go to sleep at night…not cool. When my fears take over I too have to remind myself that GOD is in control. I have been debating on buying this book. It would be an awesome gift.
Love to find time to pause and feel the calm that can come into my life.
Oh my gosh! We could be twins up to the point of the being brave and holding a snake! I still can’t do snakes! but life is definitely to a point of needing a pause!@ We got really bogged down when we were given the word Cancer for my husband with then having to wait another 3 months before knowing what kind and then another month for treatment to start. that first time we were given the word – Satan had a field day! All the different things that assault your mind – Until you give reign to Christ! These verses, or prayers cause they would work as prayers too! are perfect! God is so good – He puts those things we need most in our path right when we need them most! He is so faithful! Blessings to all~!
Thanks for this giveaway! !! Blessings
This is a devotion I will bookmark, print out, and plaster as wallpaper! I am often consumed with fear over everything, forgetting that God is my ultimate security. Thank you for the reminder. Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers and women who touch the lives of others on a daily basis!
Happy Mothers Day!
Really needed this right now! Thank you and Thank God for giving it to you!
When we surrender our wills to God and let Him have control what is there to worry about. He loves us so much. He will take care of us once we surrender. Praise Him!
I’ve had my eyes on this book for awhile now and would love to win this! I definitely need to press pause!!
Wow, how much I needed this reminder that GOD is not afraid and He’s in control. I unfortunately live so fearful of almost anything and everything regarding my kids. I know this is NOT what God wants for me, or for them, yet I struggle so much with just letting go. I have prayed about this over and over, and still struggle with this problem. I want to be free of this completely paralyzing emotion. I know this affects them as kids. I see it. I fear it will continue to affect their life and the way they will one day parent their own children. I want to feel that freedom that comes living in pure PEACE. Thank you for this reminder today. I know I need this book.
Since becoming a single mom, pressing pause for me has been hard. But I have learned that I can only be the best single mom for my kids when I am filled with God. I don’t understand why my husband left, but I trust God.
As a mother and grandmother, my faith keeps my fears and worries manageable. My instinct is to try to “fix” everything that goes wrong, but the awesome truth is that God will take care of us. It would be so easy to allow troubles to rule my thoughts and waste my time, but with God’s love I am determined to stay focused on my many blessings. I am so thankful for your posts! Bless you!
I too had to get over my fear of critters after I moved to the country with my husband. but I discovered something wonderful in the country and that was a small country church with wonderful people
such a timely devotion for me today…many thanks for sharing. Fear has held too much power in my life lately!
Trying to put into practice: Do. Not. Be. Anxious. About. Anything. Thanks for sharing today.
Because of some physical abuse, I was often fearful. Time in the military and as a single parent forced me to “get over it” and become a strong, independent woman. It is so hard for me to “let go and let God” – my control issues are a real sore spot at times in my current marriage.
I would love to win this to gift it to a sweet friend whose infant son was recently diagnosed with a terminal illness. Her nights are often filled with fear. We know God is holding them closely but it’s so hard. Thank you for sharing this opportunity to win this gift of encouragement.
Thank you for your timely post and the chance to win a book. Blessings to you.
What a great Mother’s Day present this would make for someone
I have always been scared of snakes. I do not see me getting over it. Had an experience as a child that did not help.
Renee,
Your post sounds like we are twins! I hate snakes too! Nightmares yes! Thank you for reminding me that God is not worried and I don’t have to be if I trust and allow Him to be my security. I am trusting Him now in some changes on my job. I work in education and I love, love, love working with parents, teachers, and schools. I am a people person. I was told we will no longer work with the public they can get what they need off social media. I have done this type of work for 17 yrs. I can’t imagine working at a desk all day, not even working on social media and not with the public but basically being a secretary. I don’t understand and its very uncomfortable but I.m willing to trust God even in this. Thanks again for the reminder. I.m praying for peace to get through this change. J. Johnson
What a great giveaway. I don’t know about anybody else but this seems to be just for me. I have been letting my fears overwhelm me lately. What a great reminder that God’s got our back! Thank you!
Worry and fear often go hand in hand. Worry for me looks like a marriage ending after 33 years. is Ministry over as well? Fear? fear for my future, finances, taxes. If I really trusted The Lord would I live my life differently?
Wouldn’t be great if we could literally press pause..on the whole world, while we get caught up?! I’m afraid, I may never press the play button again….then I’d missing all of the wonderful blessings God has in store for me…so I guess it’s good we cannot stop the world. I thank God that He gives me the strength to endure and the wisdom to pursue my dreams while He unravels my life’s mysteries! Happy Mother’s Day to all!
Angela M.
Hey Angela the thought that you are talking about is “mindfulness” — have you heard of it? There are quite a few books out about it and the idea is easy…..it is vitally, most important to “stay in the HERE AND NOW AND ONLY IN THE HERE AND NOW — THE MOMENT” The PREVIOUS TIME has already happened and a person cannot change ANY of it . And the FUTURE TIME hasn’t happened yet and there is no control over it. SO, stay in the moment and enjoy the blessings, laughter, scriptures, and LOVE of our God!
❤️ Love how a book comes to life. Surrounded by God’s beautiful creation, great and/or small, makes my heart sing for God!!!
Thank you!
The older i get, the more I find my fears along with how I pray have changed. Lately, I have been thanking God for protecting me throughout the night while I sleep and giving me another new day. I didn’t even realize there was a verse that talks about God’s protection while we sleep (Proverbs 3:24-26) His word really does cover every aspect of life!
Thank you Renee for all your inspiring articles you post. Happy Mothers Day to you!!!!
Thank you for this reminder!!! I’m excited for this book! I know it’ll bless so many moms who need to stop and be reminded of truth in the midst of motherhood craziness!?
Dear Renee ~ I’m sure you’ve heard it numerous times, but I just have to give a shout-out:
“HE’S AN ON TIME GOD
OH, YES HE IS!!!”
Thank you for allowing Him to use you to encourage me & countless others!
Blessing upon Blessing!
~ Jackie T.
This was such a timely post on fear. My sister’s oldest son is awaiting possible jail time for 5 felonies. If these charges aren’t dropped or lowered, he will face a long-term prison term. He has battled a drug addiction and is really turning to God to break his bondage. They are trusting in God no matter the outcome. This is more confirmation that I can send to her that no matter what her son will face, God is not asleep; He is in control; He knows and sees all things and will work all things for Lee’s best good and His glory. Our glorious Father holds the keys to freedom and my prayer is that my nephew receives the help he needs and with God’s help is set free from his bondage.
So frustrated right now that I don’t know what to say.
FRUSTRATION, FRUSTRASTION, AND MORE FRUSTRATION jumped at me Adonica and I went past your message one time….and then quickly returned as I have been “with you in FRUSTRATION and maybe too overwhelmed feelings?” And, if I am identifying…this awkwardness makes it VERY HARD TO EVEN PRAY? Adonica, when I am “here” I try one of these four ideas: 1. sing. fav. hymn, worship song, and sing along and focus on the one you can’t pray to. 2. borrow words…pray written prayers 3.pray scriptures do it out loud and maybe relax more. and 4. enjoy sitting quietly with God. I just thought I would give a few ideas…. try them and see what works for you, Adonica…and peace~
I used to have so many fears but as I’ve come to know the Lord and trust in Him I can honestly say that I have no personal fears for myself because I know that whatever happens to me God will use it for my good and His glory. However, each day I have to give my children, my family, my town, my country and the fears I have for them up to the Lord. Thank you for sharing this devotional. I would love to win a copy.
Amazing post, would love to win this book!
Thank you for sharing this devotional. I would love to win a copy of this book.
I would love to use this. Daily time with God has always been a struggle.
Thank goodness God is in control and takes care of us continually. Thanks for the inspiration!
What a wonderful reminder of our security in God. I really needed this reminder today. Thank you.
So many of the writer’s and commenter’s around this website are “SO VERY DOWN-TO-EARTH’ and I just LOVE IT. I don’t have to think, analyze, check the dictionary, google a thought, think again, ask a friend, call a former prof,….I just get to sit back, with my toes wiggling, the sun beaming on my sleeveless t-shirt –arms getting a bit red, comfortable shorts on, red knees -a place I get red in the sun first, and then my BOOK and me. I get to read, read, read, and read….and only be bothered by a few birds chirping in the trees nearby, a couple of ants crossing over a couple of my toes, and the neighbor’s dog just getting a few barks in when she can…..ah, this is the life3 I enjoy with MY BOOKS “me and my books” and my time out in nature with my AWESOME GOD — WHAT A WONDER I AM OUT HERE, WITH THE TRYPE OF CHRISTIANM BOOKS I READ, AND HERE –WITH MY AWESOME GOD SURROUNDING ME!!!!!
Yes if God isn’t freaking out then why should I, so true because God never freaks out He has it all in control!
I love this reminder to “Be still and KNOW that I am God…”; and “Don’t let your ❤️ be troubled”….thanks friends!
Thank you for your words today. It was such a good reminder that God is in control and I don’t have to be. I want to trust in him completely.
Would love the encouraging moments I encourage a group of women everyday this would come in handy thanks.
Of course, I would like to win! I still have fears of those crawly creatures. If we do not watch it, worry will take control and that is not good! That is a great devotional!!
Oh WOW~ How MUCH I needed this reminder that GOD is not afraid and He’s in control!! I truly (sad to admit) live so fearful of almost anything and everything regarding my kids. I know this is NOT what God wants for me or for THEM, yet I struggle sooooo badly with just letting GO and letting God have them 100% Its something I’ve prayed about over and over and still just feel so bound by. I want to be free of this completely paralyzing emotion. I am afraid it’s affecting THEIR life and the way they will one day parent their own children. I want to feel that freedom that comes living in pure PEACE. Thank you for your prayers and for this reminder today!!
It’s so difficult sometimes to turn over our fears and worries. Thanks for the reminder that God’s always got up in his arms!
I was particularly touched by the notion that the verse in Proverbs 3 didn’t say sudden disasters would not occur in our lives. It said don’t be afraid of them. Just as Romans 8:28 doesn’t say bad things won’t happen; it does say that everything (bad or good–my own emphasis) would WORK OUT for the good of those (here comes the qualifier) who love the LORD. I’ve never lost everything to a flood or a fire or an earthquake but I was struck by some of those people who were victims being interviewed on the news about their loss. I understand that it was all they had, but my own heart knows that stuff is just stuff and what a witness we could have if, WHEN we go through trials (James) we remember what an opportunity we have to witness for Christ. Mama always said that my life might be the only Bible some people read.
I picked up Renee’s book A Confident Heart and am really moved at how much I am relating to her message (which I am still reading). My parents divorced when I was 5 and Mom’s second marriage was very scary. I didn’t grow up with my Dad (he also raised another family) and that left a huge vacuum. My efforts to follow the Lord have resulted in a gross misunderstanding of the Gospel for many years, which impacted my husband and children, and for myself ongoing struggling with depression., Now I am seeing light in the Lord instead of Him not being ever pleased with me. A kind woman helped me pray through a particularly difficult memory, and asking the Lord for a greater filling of His Holy Spirit, which now I can see I can do with other memories and issues. 2 of my 3 children, however have walked away from the Lord at this time, and are in grievous circumstances. I couldn’t be enough for anyone in my family, though I tried with everything I had, and no one understood the struggles. Now I am trusting Jesus to redeem and be enough…condemnation is lifting to rest, trust, and peace in the midst of the deep trials. Your book has been encouraging me.
What perfect timing for this. I just looked at my calendar and realized the speech that my son volunteered me for school about my job is next week! I haven known for a month. The closer it gets the more nervous I get and start to question myself why I agreed 🙂 But I realize that this is actually what I want to get involved in my line of work, educating the public. I survived speech class, for this moment. I have survived intense training, for this moment. I am going to talk about what I love. About my calling. So why am I so afraid?!?! I will definitely keep the verse mentioned above, Proverbs 3:24-26a, in mind for the next week.
Thank you Renee. I love your inspiration. I love this story. I too am afraid of snakes & spiders.
Happy mother’s day!!