daily hope
Growth Through Adversity
10 minutes · Audio access options are available in the app
Related Scripture: John 16:33 (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.
0:01The ups and downs of life are not a flaw in the system, but a feature of the system.
0:12There's no good without bad, there's no light without the dark, and the price of love is loss.
0:27Jesus didn't live a life without disappointment or loss, but that struggle transformed him into something new and beautiful.
0:41Transformation often comes out of adversity, and growth comes out of struggle.
0:57Go ahead and get comfortable in your position, really allowing the body to relax.
1:09And when you feel ready, let your eyes slowly close.
1:20Now, take a moment to consider this verse: "Here on Earth, you will have many trials and sorrows, but take heart, because I have overcome the world." And again, "Here
1:49on Earth, you will have many trials and sorrows, but take heart, because I have overcome the world." Now, bring your attention to the way it feels when you breathe.
2:29Feel the stomach and the chest rise with each inhale, and feel the body relax with each exhale.
2:59In through the nose.
3:02Feel the body expand.
3:06And then slowly exhale.
3:25Let the breath be natural.
3:29Let the breath naturally relax the body.
3:47Allow the face and the neck to soften.
4:03Allow the forehead to relax and the shoulders to fall away from the ears.
4:21Relax the body and allow the chair to hold the body up.
4:38Just relaxing, and letting the body unwind.
4:54Simply let go.
5:14Now, bring your awareness to the feeling of the body.
5:32Maybe there's some muscle tightness or stress lingering in the body.
5:52Slowly bring your attention to those areas of tightness and relax them piece by piece.
6:18Feel the weight of your body in the chair.
6:34As your body begins to relax, allow your mind to let go.
6:46Give yourself permission to start fresh.
7:04What is done is done.
7:08All you have is this moment.
7:24This is a safe place.
7:28Release your thoughts to God.
7:44When it feels comfortable, take a few nice, deep breaths.
8:05There's no way to do this wrong.
8:14If the thoughts take you away, that's okay.
8:19When it feels comfortable, bring your awareness back to the feeling of the breath.
8:42Take this verse with you.
8:46"Here on Earth, you will have many trials and sorrows, but take heart because I have overcome the world." Gently bring your awareness back to the feeling of the body.
9:15Notice the weight of the body on the chair, and when you feel ready, allow your eyes to open, and take a nice, deep breath.
9:29Notice how your breath changes the way you feel.
9:34I hope you feel a little more in touch with God.
9:40We'll see you again next time, with hope, mindfulness, and prayer.