Now, for us to corporately experience being with God and His delight in us, I want to take some time together to really experience God’s delight in us. 

First, close your eyes and settle into a comfortable position (but not so comfortable you’ll fall asleep).  It usually helps to have your feet flat on the ground.

Zephaniah 3:17 – The Lord you God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.  He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. 

Now, imagine, the best that you can, being in God’s presence while He is feeling delighted to be with you, while He is quieting you and rejoicing in your presence.  Imagine God singing about you – a personal concert, just for you!   We often consider how we should feel when in God’s presence.  But have you ever imagined how He feels in yours? Do you feel Jesus feeling delight, joy, and peace?  If not, what do you feel Him feeling instead?  What do you imagine He looks like?  How does He sound? What does He say? What is the tone of His voice?  And then, what do you feel yourself feeling as you respond to these initiatives of God?

Let’s stay here for a few minutes, pondering God’s delight. 

[Take 5 minutes of silence reflection - group timekeeper sets timer.  Resume audio after 5 minutes.]

Ok, now open your eyes.  How was that?  What did you feel?  What did you notice in your body?  You can share aloud with the group or write in your journal. 

This practice of experiencing God delighting in us comes from Christian psychiatrist Dr. Curt Thompson.  He recommends doing this for 5-10 minutes, once or twice a day, every day for 6 weeks.  As you do this, monitor what you feel (what emotion is evoked (brought out)  in you) in general, and what you feel specifically when your thoughts turn to God.  Notice how your general body tone, as well as your general level of distress and anxiety, changes over time.