4 November 2026 – Pause & Pray

Every Wednesday, we invite you to pause and pray with us. Today’s Pause & Pray is written and curated by Ph.D. student Esther Inuwa.

Just Be Still!

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Meditate

Text

Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations;
I am exalted in the earth. — Psalm 46:10 (NRSV)

Reflection

So much going on with everybody these days. As I reflect on the seasons of life, I realize how quickly the semester moves. The situations around me seem overwhelmingly troubled. Yes, life’s pressures are now more demoralizing than I thought they could be. Am I the only one who feels like this? I’m sure I am not alone in this thought! The Psalmist shows us that this way of life has existed since ancient times. He records Israel’s testimony of God’s protection against cosmic and political powers, and proves how God utterly deconstructs the powers of any bow and spear against God’s own people. This is how it is in these times when decisions made by those in positions of power in our nations create uncertainty, fear, and overwhelming pressure for many individuals, families, students, and communities. Having peace in such a situation is difficult. The weight of political, economic, and social challenges leaves us anxious about what tomorrow may bring.

Pause

Yet, Psalm 46:10 reminds us to “Be still, and know that God is God of all powers.” Being still does not mean ignoring injustice, remaining silent in the face of suffering, or giving up hope. It means waiting quietly on God without fear or hesitation; be calm, remain dignified, and no longer tremble. It means continuing to speak truth, stand for justice, care for one another, and work toward a better tomorrow, knowing that even when the world feels unsettled, God remains our source of strength, peace, and hope. So, you have nothing to fear or worry about when God is with you. All you need to do is take a moment to remember how far you have come, how you’ve made it through challenging times, unexpected obstacles, and moments you might have questioned whether you had enough strength to continue. You have come too far to give up now. Be still in the arms of Almighty God. Halleluiah!

Pray

Gracious and loving God,
Thank you for bringing us this far. As we navigate the chaos of life and our current experiences, help us to open our eyes and find moments to pause, breathe, pray, and remember that You are with us. Grant us peace, and let us not forget the progress we have already made, despite the pressures of life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.