daily hope
A Story With a Happy Ending
9 minutes · Audio access options are available in the app
Related Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 (recording quotes TLB). 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.
0:00It's pretty common to worry about the future.
0:04We want things to go a certain way, and that's normal.
0:09We may not always understand the way things go, but we can trust that God has a plan for our lives.
0:18Whatever chapter you're in, remember that your story has a happy ending.
0:25You are saved by love.
0:29Take that with you as you go about your day.
0:35Okay.
0:36Let's begin by consciously relaxing the body.
0:43And when you're ready, allow your eyes to slowly close.
0:53As your body begins to settle, take a moment to consider this verse: "For I know the plans I have for you.
1:06They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." And again, "For I know the plans I have for you.
1:28They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." With an easy awareness, bring your attention to the space in the room.
2:06Just noticing the space with an easy curiosity.
2:18Notice your place in the room.
2:27Feel the weight of your body in the chair.
2:38Feel the air on your skin.
2:46Listen to the sounds in the room.
2:53Maybe it's quiet in the room, maybe it's not.
2:58Both are okay.
3:11You're just listening and welcoming the sounds as part of the exercise.
3:24Not wishing to change the sounds, just accepting the sounds as they are.
3:42When it feels natural, slowly bring your awareness to the breath.
3:57Allow your breath to be a reminder to stay in this present moment.
4:12If your mind begins to wander, you can always come back to the feeling of the breath.
4:33Relax and let your body honor the natural calm that only comes from the presence of a loving God.
4:58With ease, bring your attention to the breath.
5:13Take a few nice deep breaths.
5:23Make them feel easy and effortless.
5:43Feel life enter your body as you breathe in, and then release your tension as you breathe out.
6:15Inhale.
6:17Feel how the body expands.
6:22Then, slowly exhale, feeling the body fall.
6:41Feel the air as it travels in through the nose, and follow the air back out through the mouth.
6:58Allow each breath to soften the chest and relax the shoulders.
7:10Begin to scan the body from the head to the toe, relaxing the body piece by piece.
7:31There's no way to do this wrong.
7:46And now, for a few moments, allow your mind to do what it wants to do.
7:58If it wants to think, then let it think.
8:04And if it wants to rest, then let it rest.
8:22Take this verse with you.
8:26"For I know the plans I have for you.
8:31They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Allow your awareness to slowly come back to your body.
8:57And when it feels natural, begin to open your eyes.
9:04Sit back in your chair.
9:07Maybe you want to stretch a little bit.
9:10Do whatever feels good.
9:13Take a moment to notice how you feel.
9:19I hope you feel a little more relaxed.
9:22We'll see you again tomorrow for another day of hope.