Sometimes,
Life's circumstances can feel so heavy.
We are carrying so much.
The weight of responsibility,
Of work,
Of family.
And if we're being honest with ourselves,
We can feel so weak at times.
But knowing that our strength comes from the Lord is so powerful.
So as you settle in for this meditation,
I invite you to close your eyes and just allow yourself to settle in.
Take a deep breath in through your nose.
Let it go out of your mouth.
Arriving fully in this moment,
In this space.
Sometimes we spend so much energy helping others,
Holding space for others,
That when we get still and get quiet,
We may ask,
Who holds me?
Know that the Lord is holding you in this moment.
Slowly begin to deepen your breath.
As you send it down into your belly,
Feel the expansion.
Feel your ribs move out and your chest lift last.
And exhale fully,
Allowing your body to soften a little bit more.
And continue with this rhythm of breath,
Breathing in a way that's intentional.
That's full.
That's releasing.
In Nehemiah,
There's a verse that's so powerful where he is telling an Israelite community who is repenting and weeping.
They're gathered at a holy festival.
And he tells them to stop grieving and instead celebrate with food,
With drinks,
With sharing,
With those in need.
Because the joy of the Lord is your strength.
The joy of the Lord is your strength.
Let those words land on your heart today.
The joy of the Lord is my strength.
Nehemiah 8.
10,
This day is holy to our Lord.
Do not grieve for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Know that God's presence brings strength and joy,
Not just sorrow.
This verse is a call to find strength in God's goodness and presence.
Even after you acknowledge any past failings in your life.
None of us are perfect.
All of us are broken people ready to be used by God.
So find joy in the Lord today.
And allow that to give you the strength to continue forward.
I want you to take a few moments and just meditate on that scripture.
The joy of the Lord is my strength.
Lord,
We thank you for every reminder that you're with us.
Every simple nudge that you bring into the quiet,
Into the stillness,
Into your presence.
Life can be challenging.
Life can be uncertain.
Life can be frustrating.
As we carry the weight of the brokenness of the world,
The brokenness of ourself,
We ask for strength today.
Let us be reminded that the joy that comes from you is our strength.
In Jesus name I pray.
Amen.
We'll just take one final cleansing breath together.
Breathe in deeply.
Let it go.
And continue on in your day holding on to those words.
The joy of the Lord is your strength.
