trbccoffeebreak

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

The concept of time out is a technique originating from behavior therapy, in which undesirable behavior is weakened and its occurrence decreased, typically by moving the individual away from the area that is reinforcing the behavior.

Take, for instance, a child who is throwing a tantrum or refusing to do what the parent or educator is asking her to do. You ask her once, twice, and in some instances, you ask her multiple times and, still, she is uncooperative, so you give that child some time out to sit and rethink what she is doing. After a few minutes in time out, the child will have calmed down after rethinking the behavior that sent her to the quiet spot, and will, very likely, return to the room with a more positive behavior and renewed enthusiasm.

As adults, we, sometimes, fail to give ourselves enough time with the Lord, so we stop hearing His voice and, consequently, end up placing ourselves in situations that really can harm us. It may be a relationship with a third party that needs some work, a situation at the workplace that requires our positive attitude, a family decision that requires our cooperation… or any other area of our lives which calls for listening before speaking, thinking before acting.  Because we have gone for a while running on our ability instead of seeking the Lord’s guidance, we find ourselves amidst too much noise to think, just like the child who stops listening to her elders before heading to time out.

When that happens, we must take ourselves into time out, a quiet place where we can detach ourselves from anything – or anyone – that can affect our decision-making, our behavior, or our ability to think clearly. It is a time to quiet our minds, to be still, and to allow God to speak into our minds and hearts.

What is the “noise” clouding your thinking today? Is your behavior needing some fine-tuning with the Lord’s will? I suggest you seek some time out. Let Him speak into your life in that quiet place. You will be thankful you did.

“Dear Jesus, You are in the quiet place. And we are so glad that You are! ”

 For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life