Slowing Down to Live Better
Embracing the Pause for a Fulfilling Life
Contemporary Christian artist, Austin French offers a perspective that often resonates deeply with those of us on a faith journey. In a conversation with Family Life Radio, he shared his mission: to bring hope and light through music, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Austin’s approach to life goes beyond his music.
Austin was asked if he would prefer a rewind button or a pause button for his life. Without hesitation, he chose the pause button, explaining, “I am a strong believer that every moment is happening for a reason. Whether you’re going to hurt and learn, and be better for it later, or it’s those moments that you never want to forget.”
The Bible says in Romans 8:28, where we’re reminded that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (NKJV).
Every moment can be used for His glory.
As a child of God, walking in step with His will, you can find comfort in knowing that every moment of your life, whether challenging or joyful, is part of a greater plan.
But how do you embrace these moments, especially when life feels overwhelming? Austin said, “I just want to pause for a second and just take it in slow, you know, slow down, look around, remember it, right.”
When it comes to mindfulness, it’s all about being fully present in the moment, being aware of your thoughts, feelings, sensations and surroundings without judgment. Now, while the term “mindfulness” might not be explicitly mentioned in the Bible, many of the principles behind it align with biblical teachings.
Think about it this way: Jesus often encouraged his followers to be present, to pay attention to what was happening around them and to be aware of their inner selves. Remember when Jesus said, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34 NASB). That’s a pretty powerful invitation to be present in the here and now, isn’t it?
Also, there are several verses in the Bible that talk about the importance of meditating on God’s Word and focusing our minds on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable (Philippians 4:8).
Create space to hear from God.
So, in a way, practicing mindfulness can actually help us deepen our relationship with God. By quieting our minds, being still and tuning into the present moment, we create space to hear from God, to connect with His presence and to experience His peace.
Of course, like anything else, it’s important to approach mindfulness with discernment and to always filter it through the lens of Scripture. But when done with a heart that seeks God’s presence and guidance, mindfulness can promote spiritual growth and intimacy with our Creator.
5 Thoughts on Practicing Mindfulness
- Embrace every moment.
Recognize that each moment, whether challenging or joyful, is part of God’s plan for growth and appreciation.
Remember, embracing the moment isn’t about neglecting your responsibilities. It’s about finding balance and ensuring that your actions and priorities reflect your faith and values. It’s a conscious choice to focus on the relationships and activities that nourish your soul and bring you closer to God.
2. Prioritize what truly matters.
Focus on relationships and experiences that have eternal value, such as time spent with family and deepening your faith.
Austin said for him, “It’s putting my phone away. It’s not answering every text message.”
3. Find your pause button.
Identify practices that help you slow down and be present, whether it’s putting away digital devices or dedicating time to prayer and reflection.
Your “pause button” moments are the times when you can step away from the noise and connect with what’s truly important. Whether it’s a quiet morning prayer, a walk in nature or quality time spent with family, these moments are your opportunity to breathe, reflect and appreciate the blessings in your life.
4. Balance with intention.
Actively choose to balance your daily responsibilities with your spiritual life and relationships, ensuring that your actions align with your faith and values.
Inline image
Balancing the demands of daily life with your faith and family can seem daunting. Austin shares, “The things that matter to me are spending time with my kiddos. I want to be a good dad. I want to be a good husband. I still want to be a good artist. But at the end of the day, all of this stuff can fade away. [It’s about] the things that’s going to last forever.”
5. Cherish and nurture relationships.
Invest in the moments that strengthen your connections with loved ones, recognizing these as the foundation of a fulfilling and faith-filled life.
When you’re constantly bombarded by notifications and demands for your attention, choosing to put your phone away and be present with your loved ones can make all the difference.
Let this blog be a starting point for you to explore the power of pausing in your own life. Share your experiences and strategies for finding balance and embracing the present. Together, we can support each other on our faith journeys, learning to live a life that’s rich in moments that truly matter.
Want more? Check out our on demand resources
Family Life Radio is listener supported. Those who listen give to make the music and content possible to shine God’s love, peace and encouragement into hearts, revealing truths that direct people in the way they should go.
If you feel led to give a gift today to help others draw strength, gain wisdom and experience peace through Family Life Radio click here.