May 2026 by Bailey McKinley
Take A Time Out
“The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent”
Exodus 14:14
Have you ever found yourself in a place where you thought, “I just need a time out?” You know, that moment when life feels loud and nonstop, and you suddenly realize you’ve been running on empty longer than you’d like to admit?
I know I have, and that’s exactly why Thursdays have recently become my favorite day of the week.
Why, you might ask?
Because it’s Time Out Thursday, aka my Sabbath!
This is the one day of the week that I take for me. As a busy wife and mom, I can run low quickly and find myself facing everyday battles on empty more times than I’d like to admit.
We need to prioritize time for a time out!
The Truth: I Need This Day to Slow Down with God
For me, a Time Out Thursday looks like scheduling as little as possible and completing all necessary house duties in the days leading up to Thursday so I can truly be present in slowing down. But most importantly, it looks like a lot of time with my Heavenly Father.
I try my best to spend time with God daily; praying off and on throughout the day and listening to worship music in the car. But on Time Out Thursdays, I do whatever my soul is craving at that moment.
Nothing Is Too Small or Too Simple for a Sabbath Reset
Sometimes that looks like:
- Cranking Jesus music so loud the neighbors can’t hear my terrible singing voice as I belt out the lyrics
- Listening to one of my favorite Christian authors’ audiobooks while I sip tea
- Being outside in God’s creation
- Taking a nap (thank you Jesus for commanding us to rest!)
Whatever I decide to do, I am fully devoted to giving the present week, and all that came with it, to God.
I lay it down at His feet and allow Him to do what only He can do: fight my battles and love me through them as I vulnerably pour out the struggles I fight in secret.
Living This Out: Right Here in My War Room
As I write today, I am sitting in my War Room (aka my prayer room) with the lights dimmed and a candle lit, while my pup snuggles into the blanket next to me.
I took some time to journal and list the battles I have been facing.
God graciously reminded me of the beautiful promise found in Exodus 14:14, a truth that the battles I face are not mine alone to fight.
The Lord will fight for me!
I need only to:
BE STILL (NIV)
BE SILENT (ESV)
STAY CALM (NLT)
HOLD MY PEACE (KJV)
Living in Trust
We must not sit passively, but instead have faith and an active trust that God goes before us and that we are not in this crazy thing called life alone.
God’s got you, sister.
He loves you so much.
So lay the battles you’re facing: depression, anxiety, parenting struggles, insomnia, relationships, intrusive thoughts, insecurities, anything and everything at His feet… and go enjoy a time out with your Heavenly Father today.
Until next time, shine bright, sisters-
Not for praise, but for the One who saves.
Bailey
What Are Your Thoughts?