“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
When I first started ballet, strength was my focus. I came from a gymnastics background and so when I began dancing, I was all about holding my positions, gritting through the combinations, and muscling my way through the barre exercises. Slowly but surely over the years, I learned to soften my dancing. I learned that dancing was more than holding positions and building strong muscles. Dancing required a soft elegance and an illusion from the audience’s perspective that the dancing was effortless.
SOFT STEEL.
That’s what I would tell myself when I danced professionally. My dancing needed to have that soft elegance, but it also needed to be strong as steel. When I put SOFT and STEEL together my dancing felt strong and elegant.
There are so many instances in life where we need strength and courage and in the very same heartbeat we need to have a soft heart towards God. God wants us to face our day with strength and courage. He does not want us to live in fear or discouragement. He invites us to be strong and courageous. And we can because He is always with us. He makes us strong for the things He has called us to, and we find that strength as we keep a soft heart towards Him. A soft heart is one that is in tune to His nudges. A soft heart spends time just being with Him. A soft heart seeks Him for help and wisdom. And from that place, a strong and courageous heart rises up.
Today, whatever is in front of you, go in the strength of the Lord and let Him guide you and help you to be courageous. Keep your heart soft towards Him, always listening, always attentive. He will gladly lead you.
Prayer: “Sweet Lord, thank You that You are always with me. Thank You that You want me to be strong and courageous for the things You have set before me. And thank You that I don’t have to live my life in fear because You are always with me in everything. Make me strong and courageous and keep my heart attentive to You.”
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