Meetings: Finding Jesus in the Middle of the Day

Right now, in the middle of your day, Jesus is with you. Take a breath and remember that He is not distant from spreadsheets or difficult conversations—He is present in this very moment. You might begin by simply acknowledging His character: that He is patient, that He listens more deeply than anyone in any meeting ever could, that His attention to you never wavers. As the psalmist writes, "O Lord, you have searched me and known me" (Psalm 139:1, ESV). He knows not just what you're about to discuss, but what weighs on your heart. Pause and tell Jesus what draws your respect right now—maybe it's His calm, His justice, His ability to see what others miss. Let yourself be genuinely impressed by who He is, even in these hurried moments between meetings.

Meetings can expose what's really in us: impatience, the need to prove ourselves, words we wish we could take back. You don't need to hide any of that from Jesus. If you find yourself carrying frustration, pride, or anxiety into these conversations, name it gently. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9, ESV). There's no shame in admitting you've been unkind in your tone, or that you've cared more about being right than about the person across the table. Jesus meets you in that honesty with complete forgiveness. You're not behind; you're simply being real. Talk to Him about what you wish you'd done differently, and let yourself feel the relief of that confession.

Even in a demanding day, there is grace to notice. You might give thanks for a colleague who showed you kindness, a moment where a conversation went better than expected, or simply the fact that you made it this far. Thank Jesus for the strength you've already been given today—the ability to think clearly, to listen, to show up. As Paul reminds us, "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, ESV). Even small mercies count: coffee that was hot, a window with light, a text that made you smile. Tell Jesus about one thing—just one—that you're genuinely grateful for. Gratitude shifts something in you, even in the midst of a packed schedule.

Now bring the weight of what's ahead. If you're walking into a tense meeting, an important decision, or conversations you're nervous about, Jesus invites you to lay that down. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6, ESV). You don't need fancy words—simply tell Him what you need. Wisdom for a difficult conversation. Courage to speak up. Clarity about what matters. Patience with someone who frustrates you. The ability to listen well instead of just waiting for your turn to talk. Ask Him to calm your mind, to keep you from saying things you'll regret, and to help you see the people in your meetings the way He sees them. End by asking Him to be present with you in the next hour—not as an afterthought, but as the most real person in the room.