“Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You; thus will I bless You while I live. I will lift up my hands in Your Name!” Psalms 63:3-4

The Hug

I woke up this morning feeling empty and flat. Maybe it was the disturbing “what if” dream that robbed my peace. So I’m sitting before the LORD, praying and reading His Word. I tell Him, “I need a hug.”

Sometimes it helps meditating on a verse like the one above and surrendering all thoughts and desires to the leading of the Holy Spirit; confessing sin that has been sitting around, the little sins that sour life that I sometimes just blow off or excuse; accepting His cleansing; praying, “Lord Jesus, show me Your heart.” I need Holy Spirit presence, being still and telling Him I need a hug.

With my journal handy, I read my “scheduled Psalm” (from my daily read calendar), writing down the things the Lord is speaking to my heart. I love it when a verse pops out and He personally directs it to speak love and reassurance. “But know the LORD has set apart for Himself (and dealt wonderfully with) the godly man (the one of honorable character and moral courage. The one who does right.) The Lord hears and responds when I call to Him” (Psalm 4:3 AMP).

I purposed to devote my time in love and compassion because the Holy Spirit has met me deep in my soul with His Word, hugging my heart and reassuring me of His purpose for my day. I just need to be attentive and follow His lead, laying aside my hurts or opinions and taking on His perspective. Taking the time, being still, and absorbing His goodness is so worth it.

My heart is now filled with worship to the Worthy One, who created the stars and the very breath I breathe. He is so glorious and wonderful, revealing the depths of His love. This love is not just for me. When He fills my heart, soul, strength, and mind, His hugging love pours out to others, my husband, my neighbors, my family, my friends. I can’t contain it.

During this time of social distancing, many of our hugs have to be with words in texting or email, but we can still encourage and love.

I encourage you today, to take the time to be hugged by the Lord with His Word, worship music, and His creation, and spill over to others with a fresh love and grace that can only come through seeking the “hug” from the Holy Spirit. The time you will spend is worth it because He is worth it. Our families and friends are worth it.

Dear Lord, as Psalm 63 says, I lift up my hands to Your Name, confessing I need a hug and knowing that You meet each one of us exactly where we need You to. You are worthy, Lord. Thank you for Your Word that can fill the emptiness and refresh us to hug others, because we have been hugged by You. In Jesus Name. Amen.