My Love Will Make You Brave
Close your eyes. Inhale deeply through your nose. Hold your breath for a count of four. Then, release that breath, pushing the air out of your lungs.
Again.
Eyes closed, inhale deeply through your nose, feeling your lungs fill with air. Hold that breath for four counts, and then slowly release it, feeling your abdominal muscles contract.
Next, relax your shoulders by rolling them up and down and then back.
Then, rotate your wrists and your fingers. Finally, stretch out your legs: flex your ankles and point your toes.
Next, stretch your arms over your head; take another deep inhale and exhale as you return your arms to your sides.
Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, draw me closer to You now.
I consecrate my mind and heart — my ideas, intentions, and expectations. I trust You. I surrender to You. Guide me now. Help me to experience your presence and follow where You lead me.
With your eyes closed, stay in this space with God for a few minutes. Allow your heart and mind to be open and expectant.
What do you want to tell Him? What do you hear Him saying to you?
Holy Spirit, as I wait on You, this is what I hear You say…
(1) Next, spend some time with Psalm 118:1-14. Read the set of verses at least three times. The first time you read them, do so silently and note which words and phrases resonate with you.
(2) Read them again, but this time out loud. Listen. Absorb the words. Speak the verses directly to God.
(3) Finally, when you read the verses a third time, ask God to reveal to you what He is speaking to you, personally, here.
Psalm 118: 1-14
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.Let Israel say:
“His love endures forever.”
Let the house of Aaron say:
“His love endures forever.”
Let those who fear the Lord say:
“His love endures forever.”When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord;
he brought me into a spacious place.
The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
The Lord is with me; he is my helper.
I look in triumph on my enemies.It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in humans.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in princes.
All the nations surrounded me,
but in the name of the Lord I cut them down.
They surrounded me on every side,
but in the name of the Lord I cut them down.
They swarmed around me like bees,
but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns;
in the name of the Lord I cut them down.
I was pushed back and about to fall,
but the Lord helped me.
The Lord is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation.
After you have read these verses at least three times, talk to God about them. Share with Him your deepest concerns and questions, and listen for his response:
Lord, this is how I am feeling now…
Please show me the spacious place You have for me…
How am I not trusting in You? How am I feeling tired and overwhelmed and need You to be my strength?
In your journal, try to spend ten minutes writing out your conversation with God.
When you feel like your heart needs to pause, take a deep breath. Then, move on to this last portion of the Encounter: Below are words that I heard for us when I was praying about this community:
“What story are you writing about your life? Who is holding the pen? Who is giving instructions that you heed?
Who are the influencers in your life? What are they telling you? Should you listen to them? Do you know which way you should go?
Clean house. Take an assessment of the voices in your life. Where is love? Where is goodness? What messages make you stand up and move?
How are you listless? What excuse do you have for complacency?
Work with Me. Love with Me. Take notice of my presence with you.
I can open your heart further. I can remove your fear. But let Me captivate your heart. Let Me love you.
My love will make you brave. And that is faith—being brave and acting because you trust in Me.”
Allow your heart to settle a bit, and then reread the words above again. What do you believe Holy Spirit is saying to you?
Work with the Him to understand — and answer — the questions He is asking. Do not be afraid. Listen with your heart. He is so in love with you.
Amen.
