You're listening to Encounter, a simple daily podcast to help you discover sacred moments

in the middle of an ordinary day.

If you would enjoy greater access to even more free meditations, I encourage you to download

the encountering piece app where all the meditations are free as they should be.

Scanning through social media usually shows how many people feel, ashtag, blessed.

We toss the word around, pretty casual, it almost seems that we use the word, blessed.

When we're taking credit for something, or we want to bring attention to ourselves,

but we want to appear humble.

But what does it really mean?

How should we understand the blessings of God?

Well, the theme of this meditation from Zefaniah chapter 3 is, blessing.

Divine blessings from God, meant to restore His favor on you, to remind you of how your

life is meant to be, and to remind you of His inherent goodness.

Also to remind you of how even approaching Him right now, in this time of meditation,

is an undeserved gift of His mercy to you, His blessing to you.

So to begin your meditation, slip into a time and place where you can ponder and reflect

on the blessing of merely being in His presence.

You may start by listening and joining in this responsive reading and prayer from Isaiah

chapter 12, and respond, Lord God, thank you for your blessings.

And on that day, you will say, I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry

with me, your anger has turned away and you comfort me, Lord God, thank you for your blessings.

Behold, God, my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid for you, Lord God, are my strength

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