daily hope
Expect the Unexpected
9 minutes · Audio access options are available in the app
Related Scripture: Deuteronomy 20:4 (recording quotes CEV). 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.
0:01God has a plan for your life.
0:05You can be sure that it's different from the plan you expected.
0:10Expect the unexpected.
0:14Do your best to approach challenges, not as setbacks, but as opportunities to change and grow in God's plan.
0:26Let's start by taking a few nice, deep breaths.
0:35As your breath begins to relax your body, allow your eyes to close, like the sun sets.
0:48Take a moment to consider this verse: "The Lord your God will fight alongside you and help you win the battle." And again, "The Lord your God will fight alongside
1:14you and help you win the battle." When it feels comfortable, take a few nice, deep breaths in.
1:46Really making a point to expand the body and expand the chest.
2:00Notice how the breath makes you feel.
2:14Now let the breath begin to settle.
2:24As your breath begins to settle, allow the body to become heavy.
2:38Notice any sensations in the body.
2:44See if you're holding on to any tension.
2:52Maybe the body is tight, or maybe it's not.
2:58Either is okay.
3:08You're just scanning the body, looking for any areas of tightness and letting them release.
3:24And if the mind drifts away in thought, slowly bring it back to the feelings in the body and the breath.
3:44Your body knows how to relax.
3:56You don't have to think about it for it to happen.
4:00You are simply uncovering the calm that was always present.
4:15Let your awareness rest in the arms of God.
4:34Gradually, and with ease, bring your awareness to rest on your breath.
4:51Feel the body rise with each inhale.
5:00And then allow your awareness to rest in a little more with each exhale.
5:21Notice how with each breath, the body feels a little calmer.
5:39Begin to notice the space around the body.
5:51Feel the contact of the body on the chair, and your feet on the floor.
6:13When you feel comfortable, begin to scan the entire body to build up a picture of what the body feels like.
6:27Piece by piece, release any areas of tension.
6:41Let go of your stress.
6:44Let go of your anxiety.
6:50You are exactly where you're meant to be.
7:03Allow that natural rhythm of the breath to relax you.
7:20Let your breath guide you to a place of safety in the presence of God.
7:43You are accepted here.
7:46You are loved.
8:02Take this verse with you, "The Lord your God will fight alongside you and help you win the battle." Allow your awareness to slowly come back to your body, and
8:36when it feels natural, begin to open your eyes.
8:44Sit back in your chair.
8:47Maybe you want to stretch a little bit.
8:50Do whatever feels good.
8:53Take a moment to notice how you feel.
8:58I hope you feel a little more relaxed.
9:02We'll see you again tomorrow for another day of hope.