You're listening to Encounter, a simple daily podcast of sacred and mindful meditations

to help you encounter the divine presence of God all throughout your day.

If you want to have free access to the entire library of 500 meditations,

I encourage you to download the Encountering Peace app

where all the meditations are free, as they should be.

I recently received a note from Melody.

She shared with me how much she enjoys the content

that I choose and how what I write sounds so genuine and seems to strike a chord that connects

me to the audience. Oh, thank you, Melody, but let me assure you of one thing, I don't choose the meditation topic.

It's almost like it chooses me, and each is genuine, out of my own journal, my own life,

and personal time and contemplative prayer and meditation. Well, this meditation of hours, now from Habakkuk chapter

three, is particularly close to my heart, even as I'm writing it. Remembering to be joyful,

especially in the face of personal disappointment. The topic is very genuine for me at this moment. I pray that you understand

and that it brings you peace in your own times of discontent. So to begin your meditation,

our meditation, may we both find a place to be honest and mindful and genuine with our thoughts.

We will be together in this divine refuge for about 15 minutes, a holy retreat to find joy.

The joy of your salvation, when disappointment casts a shadow over everything else.

But for now, just note your breathing beginning to relax,

and your eyes move from open to a dreamy gaze to finally closed.

And intentionally become more aware of God, spirit, and sun, present us, respond simply,

I long to be joyful in the God of my salvation.

My God bless the reading of His Word. Do not be anxious about anything, but I long to be joyful

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