daily hope
Visit the Past, Live the Present
9 minutes · Audio access options are available in the app
Related Scripture: Psalm 51:10a (recording quotes MSG). The linked Bible reader uses the World English Bible.
Meditation transcript
Transcript of the recording. Scripture translation labels describe the translation quoted in the audio.
0:01The past is a nice place to visit, but it's not a great place to stay.
0:08We can remember our past and thank God for all the blessings that He's given us, but God wants us to live in the present because that's where life is.
0:21That's where God is.
0:24It's the only place where you can truly be happy.
0:29Today, ask God to open up your mind and heart to this present moment and all the possibilities that it holds.
0:42Let's start by taking a few nice deep breaths.
0:52As your breath begins to relax your body, allow your eyes to close like the sun sets.
1:05Take a moment to consider this verse: God, make a fresh start in me.
1:23And again, God, make a fresh start in me.
1:45With a gentle ease, let's go ahead and take a nice deep breath.
1:58Notice how good it feels just to breathe.
2:09Allow your inhales to fill the body up, and then totally relax the body on the exhale.
2:31Notice how your breath changes the way your body feels.
2:42And on your next inhale, begin to count the breath.
2:49One on the inhale and two on the exhale.
2:57Three on the next inhale and four on the next exhale, counting up to ten and then starting over again.
3:26If you lose track of the breath, it's okay, just start over again counting from one.
3:51There is nowhere to go, nowhere to be.
3:59We are just here, counting the breath.
4:13On the next exhale, allow the breath to relax and become natural.
4:28And now, for a moment or two, let your mind relax.
4:49When it feels natural, let's take a nice big breath.
5:04With each breath, allow the body to become softer and more relaxed, almost like a wave of relaxation washing over the body.
5:40The breath fills up the body, and then it gives way to that natural relaxation that's right under the surface.
6:04Now, let's turn our awareness to how the body feels.
6:17Just examining the body with an easy curiosity.
6:29Allow your shoulders to relax and fall away from the ears.
6:40Relax your arms and allow your hands to open and let go.
6:53Allow your temples and face to relax.
7:04Let the throat and the neck soften.
7:13Allow your breath to deepen as your awareness rests deeper.
7:23Just relaxing and releasing.
7:36You are here and everything is okay.
7:42God is with you.
7:53And now, for a moment or two, let go of any focus and allow yourself to simply be.
8:15Take this verse with you: "God, make a fresh start in me." Allow your awareness to slowly come back to your body, and when it feels natural, begin to open
8:47your eyes.
8:50Sit back in your chair.
8:53Maybe you want to stretch a little bit.
8:56Do whatever feels good.
8:59Take a moment to notice how you feel.
9:05I hope you feel a little more relaxed.
9:08We'll see you again tomorrow for another day of hope.