A few weeks ago I decided to try a trial version of the biblical meditation app Abide at the suggestion of a friend. I’ve always believed that meditating on the Word of God is such an important part of building our relationship with him, and part of our spiritual transformation. My husband and I talk about how meditating on specific passages from our devotions is often what encourages and challenges a change in behaviour, as opposed to just reading through the Word but I struggle SO much to actually do it.

This app (in which I am in no way affiliated by the way, just sharing my experience) has been a game changer for me specifically. I can do a short 2 mins meditation – although this is not my full devotional time for the day – it does give me a jumpstart. Not only that, but it also gives me a specific passage to meditate on before I even get into my devotional. The Lord has often used these passages in the past couple of weeks to lead into what I read in the Word during my time with him.

One morning, it was a particularly tough morning – LC and I had barely finished breakfast, accompanied by multiple meltdowns – both hers and mine. I thought, I should try to do the meditation to help center myself for our day before allowing the morning to dictate the outcome. So there at the breakfast table with my head leaning on my crossed arms, I turned it on. Although I cannot remember the specifics about this particular meditation, I DO remember being called to be in His presence – what a coincidence. We let the soft music take us down a couple of notches. LC was sitting beside me on the bench, as we breathed in and out to the soft rain sounds. I felt a reminder in my heart that I need to purposely remember to just sit in the HIS presence in the midst of my chaos – to feel his grace, love, peace, mercy and joy deeply.

In 1 Peter 1:8-9, it says;

^“8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,⁹ for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

An inexpressible and glorious joy. Joy that is a feeling of gladness and fulfillment not based on our current life circumstance.

There in the midst of our crazy morning, as we sat quietly side by side in the presence of the Lord, LC burst out into laughter – that contagious toddler laughter that comes from the bottom of their souls. It was there that the Lord met me, it was there that I felt his joy, inexpressible and glorious joy. I realized that LC is a vessel for the Holy Spirit to work through, as am I. It is through days like that we are continuously refined to best serve the Lord.

Although I wish every morning would be simple and straightforward, I will continue to invite the Lord into our days, hours and minutes despite the meltdowns.