daily hope
Never Yours to Keep
9 minutes · Audio access options are available in the app
Related Scripture: Psalm 55:22a (recording quotes GNT). 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.
0:00There's a fear in letting go of what you have.
0:07It can feel like if you let go, there won't be anything else to replace it.
0:14Like if you release it, you end up empty-handed.
0:21At its core, letting go is the act of trusting God.
0:29You may get everything you want, or you may not, but there is wisdom in realizing it was never yours to keep in the first place.
0:47Okay, let's begin by getting comfortable, taking a few nice, big, deep breaths.
1:01And when you're ready, allow your eyes to slowly close.
1:11Now, take a moment to consider this verse, "Leave your troubles with the Lord and He will defend you." And again, "Leave your troubles with the Lord and He will
1:35defend you." With a gentle curiosity, begin to notice the breath.
2:01Natural breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth.
2:18Make the breath deep and full of life.
2:24Allow that fresh air to fill up the lungs, and then relax the body as you exhale.
2:49Let your body become heavy as your mind continues to relax.
2:58You are exactly where you need to be.
3:13And now, come to the heartbeat.
3:19Maybe even listen for its rhythm.
3:29Just relaxing and releasing.
3:39If the thoughts take you away, that's okay.
3:46When it's easy, bring your awareness back to the heartbeat.
4:01Just listen to your heartbeat and the gentle sound of your breath.
4:15Let your breath act as an anchor to this moment and this practice.
4:30With each breath, allow yourself to rest further into the calm of God's love.
4:52With an easy awareness, bring your attention to the space in the room.
5:12Just noticing the space with an easy curiosity.
5:26Notice your place in the room.
5:39Feel the weight of your body in the chair.
5:49Feel the air on your skin.
6:00Listen to the sounds in the room.
6:07Maybe it's quiet in the room, maybe it's not.
6:12Both are okay.
6:25You're just listening, and welcoming the sounds as part of the exercise.
6:40Not wishing to change the sounds, just accepting the sounds as they are.
6:58When it feels natural, slowly bring your awareness to the breath.
7:17Allow your breath to be a reminder to stay in this present moment.
7:36If your mind begins to wander, you can always come back to the feeling of the breath.
7:55Relax and let your body honor the natural calm that only comes from the presence of a loving God.
8:20Take this verse with you, "Leave your troubles with the Lord, and He will defend you." Slowly begin to bring your awareness back to the body.
8:49Maybe even move your fingers and toes a little bit.
8:54When it feels natural, allow your eyes to slowly open.
9:01Take another big deep breath in, and let it out with a sigh.
9:08Notice how you feel.
9:10I hope you feel a little more relaxed.
9:13We'll see you again tomorrow, with hope, mindfulness, and prayer.