daily hope
Transformation Requires Change
9 minutes · Audio access options are available in the app
Related Scripture: Isaiah 46:4a (recording quotes NIV). 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.
0:00I think it's common for us to ask God to improve the circumstances of our lives, but at the same time, we can be so unwilling to accept change.
0:20Transformation requires change.
0:25Renewal often comes through hardship.
0:37If you're in a season of change, be mindful, and allow yourself to grow.
0:45Allow this natural transformation.
0:54Let's start by taking a few nice, deep breaths.
1:04As your breath begins to relax your body, allow your eyes to close, like the sun sets.
1:17Now take a moment to consider this verse: Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he who will sustain you.
1:37And again: Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he who will sustain you.
1:59With a gentle ease, let's go ahead and take a nice, deep breath.
2:11Notice how good it feels just to breathe.
2:23Allow your inhales to fill the body up, and then totally relax the body on the exhale.
2:44Notice how your breath changes the way your body feels.
2:55And on your next inhale, begin to count the breath.
3:02One on the inhale, and two on the exhale, three on the next inhale, and four on the next exhale, counting up to ten, and then starting over again.
3:39If you lose track of the breath, it's okay, just start over again counting from one.
4:04There's nowhere to go, nowhere to be.
4:12We are just here, counting the breath.
4:26On the next exhale, allow the breath to relax and become natural.
4:42And now, for a moment or two, let your mind relax.
5:02When it feels natural, let's take a nice, big breath.
5:18With each breath, allow the body to become softer and more relaxed, almost like a wave of relaxation washing over the body.
5:53The breath fills up the body, and then it gives way to that natural relaxation that's right under the surface.
6:17Now, let's turn our awareness to how the body feels.
6:30Just examining the body with an easy curiosity.
6:42Allow your shoulders to relax and fall away from the ears.
6:53Relax your arms and allow your hands to open and let go.
7:06Allow your temples and face to relax.
7:17Let the throat and the neck soften.
7:27Allow your breath to deepen as your awareness rests deeper.
7:37Just relaxing and releasing.
7:49You are here, and everything is okay.
7:56God is with you.
8:07And now, for a moment or two, let go of any focus and allow yourself to simply be.
8:29Take this verse with you.
8:33"Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he who will sustain you." Allow your awareness to slowly come back to your body, and when it feels natural,
9:01begin to open your eyes.
9:06Sit back in your chair.
9:09Maybe you want to stretch a little bit.
9:12Do whatever feels good.
9:15Take a moment to notice how you feel.
9:20I hope you feel a little more relaxed.
9:24We'll see you again tomorrow for another day of hope.