LET GO of Anxiety, Fear & Worries: GUIDED MEDITATION Overcoming Trials, Finding Peace Trusting God

find rest as you listen to this peaceful bedtime story for more Bible stories that bring you refreshing sleep download the abide app in the iTunes or Google Play Store what are you going through today what is testing you you'll never have a better day than when you learn to stand strong in the Lord some seasons of life can feel so overwhelming and exhausting camping and in the middle of those seasons people think they help by saying things like there's a plan or something good will come from this and that's a nice sentiment but it doesn't really acknowledge the pain that's so very real the Bible says something better James is not one to leave us with nice platitudes he is an author that tells the truth and he gives hope that as we push through trials there is reward on the other side of this life do you want to experience that reward that push through a trial well join me as we meditate reflect and pray about hope and trials from James chapter 1 verse 12 but let's start with an opening prayer dear God you are good and you are true you see me in my trial and though you have the power to stop it you choose to allow this test sometimes I don't always understand why but use this to refine me make me better help me to see you and keep my eyes focused on you and heaven and it's in the name of God the Father Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit that I pray amen so as we begin breathe just breathe deeply find a position and spot where you can just stop for a moment and be still and breathe let it out focus your mind on God and ask him to open your heart to what he has to say today tell god what is wearing you out or hurting you today tell him your doubts your anger and your tears he's God he can handle it our God is the God internat II the architect of heaven this world isn't it ask him now to help you notice one word or phrase or image from James chapter 1 verse 12 blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him what did you hear listen again carefully as I read blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him what stood out to you this time take a moment and let that idea soak up into your heart let your thoughts be your prayer God doesn't promise an easy life he promises blessings for those who walk bravely and faithfully through tough things ask God now to give you strength and endurance to remain steadfast under trial with your eyes still closed listen again as I read from James chapter 1 verse 12 blessed happy spiritually prosperous and favored by God is the man who is steadfast under trial and persevere zhh when tempted for when he has passed the test and been approved he will receive the victors crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love him well did you hear this time to God we enforced something or reveal something new to you ask God to help you understand what he is saying to you today through his word did you notice the phrase spiritually prosperous normally we hear the word blessed in the context of material things or happy endings but here it talks about blessed in trial so blessing is about getting something more valuable than comfort how do you think about blessings and trials ask God now to help you see blessings in the midst of trials instead of the opposite of trial the crown of life is clarified here as the victors crown of life if this life is a marathon then trial is a stretch that requires extra endurance and perspective to see the finish line ask Jesus now to help you fix your eyes on him as you persevere listen one in final time as I read and you reflect on James chapter 1 verse 12 blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him your pain is real my friend so as you keep pushing keep working keep going know that you have a father God who cheers you on and fills you up imagine your race your story what's hard about it what doubts or temptations are tripping you up what burdens are you trying to carry by yourself tell him about them now hebrews chapter 12 verses 1 & 2 says therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us looking to Jesus the founder and the perfecter of our faith who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross despising the shame and is seated now at the right hand of the throne of God use your imagination here I want you to feel the weights literally hanging around your neck feel the cold chains the weights dragging across the floor forcing your body to bend over in pain how do they feel what does Jesus see in your eyes as you carry them tell him about the weight tell him about the pain now imagine unlocking them throwing off the weights the things that snare you how did the chains sound hitting the floor how did the weights sound dropping to the floor imagine Jesus at the finish line with the keys to the locks to your chains the keys to heaven imagine that now in prayer a day will come when you see him face to face he will look you in the eye and say well done as he puts the crown of life on your head think about what that would mean to you ask him to teach you how to endure by desiring him above every other comfort the world has to offer and ask him now join me in a time of closing prayer dear father God you see me here in this broken world you know my broken heart you are all-knowing so you know the end of the story you are sovereign so you have written the end of the story help me to be steadfast and strong today dear God let me view my world through an eternal lens and let me handle today with your grace and your patience give me endurance as I run this race and let me hope in knowing you are there at the end in Jesus name Amen hi and welcome back in this second step we want to offer scriptural prayer for those struggling with anxiety disorder and those closest to them symptoms can include stress that's a bit out of proportion to the impact of an event in our life an inability to set aside worry restlessness anxiety is so conflicting it may be hard to imagine your life without it but it may be equally hard to imagine letting go of it you don't want to feel this way and others don't want you feeling this way either you may feel like others don't understand and you know what they may not others may see your anxiety as well just an idea that can be easily dismissed with rational thought they may share statistics to prove there is nothing to worry about but to you it's not just a thought it's a feeling a very real feeling but the strange thing is we have feelings all day about so many things most of which we easily dismiss but with some of these feelings we start to obsess on them we give energy to them and we become a prisoner to this endless loop of worry and anxiety if you're struggling with anxiety disorder will you join me in this prayer dear Lord God sovereign God God of peace there is no fear no anxiety no panic in your kingdom establish your kingdom in my heart in my mind today right now so that I can walk in peace so that I can walk in confidence and strength open the eyes of my heart so that I can see all that you want for me show me how I've been blessed with every spiritual blessing dear protective god you are all around me you guard me with your word with your presence and with the command of your angels more God you will not let me stumble you will not let me fall help me trust you help me remember I am your child and you or my father I'm seated with you in heaven I'm at rest in your arms you cover me with your wings you fight for me you provide everything I need for life for peace provision and protection I confess to you that at times maybe even today maybe even in this moment maybe even in this second I feel imprisoned by fear and anxiety I confess it to you right now give me the courage Lord God to whisper that confession to you right now let me take a deep breath and name my anxiety share it with you tell it to you as these feelings rise up within me give me your courage to face them to stare them down acknowledge them and bring them into light they lose their power over me in your light the anxious thoughts I have that weigh on me become weak when laid before you help me today in this moment this is a very moment to not be anxious about anything help me pray to you about everything help me cast every care I have on you guide me along the best paths to take advise me counsel me help me listen to you with my heart as you speak your peace over me father live in me and through me and help me put all of my trust in you and it's in Jesus name Amen what if this isn't you but what if someone close to you maybe someone with you right now is struggling with anxiety disorder will you join me in prayer dear Lord God sovereign God God of peace heal and bring peace to my friend release them from their fear their burden of fear of anxiety and panic establish your kingdom in their heart and their mind so that they can walk in peace and confidence and strength open the eyes of their heart so that they can see all that you want for them show them how they have been blessed with every one of your spiritual blessings dear protective god guard my friend guard them with your word with your presence and the command of your angels you were all around them right now or God give also your words your wisdom and your tenderness to me so that I may know how to be a present peaceful comfort for my friend guard my tongue from saying anything that may make things more anxious for them guard my attitude from maybe hurting them even further help us both listen to you with our hearts so we understand and feel that peace you are speaking over both of us father live in and through us instilling your peace into our lives that it's in Jesus name amen do you feel full of joy and hope even during troubled times in your life you and I live in a broken world the world fractured by sin and separation from God it's not a matter of if but when we find ourselves in difficult times so stop for a moment in what area of your life are you struggling the most now ask yourself three questions first during these troubled times is your life full of joy and hope second do I joyfully lean into Jesus during difficult times or do I grumble third finally in difficult times are you deeply devoted to prayer well join me as we meditate reflect and pray about endurance and how to answer these three questions from Romans chapter 12 verse 12 but first join me in just a moment of opening prayer dear Heavenly Father by your grace and mercy and there are exceptions but I struggle to find joy in the midst of difficult times I fight to lean in but often lean away from you and hard times and when I should spend more time in prayer I spend less and my days are cloudy so help me find joy lean on you and pray even when my days are far from grey and I ask this now by your authority and in the name of your son Jesus Christ to whom I pray that's convicting it really is about time isn't it we are so busy even at rest and all the more when caught up in the world of our lives but it's about making time to find time time to find joy time to lean on Christ and time to pray so today I hope this time of long deep meditation will help you find time but in your pursuit of him all other things of lesser value will fall away so as we begin take a few deep relaxing breaths there's peaceful deep breaths today and settle into wherever you are being aware the majesty of God like nothing else matters in the world finding time to focus solely on him finding time is where we will be going today [Music] [Music] scan your life in your body for a moment are their words or deeds thoughts actions or pain keeping you from spending time with him today will confess that now and then thank him for his grace his forgiveness and his love [Music] god is hope the Holy Spirit speaks God's joyful voice to us and Jesus is our example of how to find time to pray so listen carefully to every detail as I read from Romans chapter 12 verse 12 rejoice in hope be patient in tribulation and be constant in prayer what stood out to you from that short and powerful passage listen to it again rejoice in hope be patient in tribulation and be constant in prayer that is so short but so powerful it's read it again rejoice in hope be patient in tribulation be constant in prayer reflect here on how God might be using this passage to touch your life today [Music] [Music] [Music] so during these troubled times is your life full of joy and hope even in times far from trouble do you find time to reflect on the joy that you have in hope in Christ I'll pause here meditate and reflect on that make time right now to focus on the joy that you have in hope in Christ [Music] [Music] [Music] listen again as I read from Romans chapter 12 verse 12 may we constantly rejoice in hope because of our confidence in Christ steadfast and patient in distress and devoted to prayer continually seeking wisdom guidance and strength what did you hear this time did you hear something comforting or recognizable or something crisp and unusual we'll focus there even deeper in quiet meditation [Music] do you patiently lean into Jesus during difficult times or grumble impatiently and again do you lean on him even when times are far from difficult well pause here again meditate and reflect and make time right now to lean into the arms of Jesus resist pushing away but surrender into his arms just rest there for several moments [Music] st. Francis DeSales once said every one of us needs a half an hour of prayer every day except when you're busy then you need an hour I love that deal moody said something similar the busier I am the longer I pray that's so counterintuitive to our lives isn't it so how busy are you and what excuses do you use to not pray I want to challenge you to pause the app and pray longer right now are you are you hesitating over the pause button why well take significant time right now to rest before the Lord in quiet reflection knowing he is your Creator and his son is your Lord pause here and whisper to him Lord Jesus Christ son of God have mercy on me Lord Jesus Christ son of God have mercy on me pause the app and keep praying Lord Jesus Christ son of God have mercy on me [Music] [Music] [Music] listen one in final time as I read and you meditate on Romans chapter 12 verse 12 let your hope make you glad be patient in time of trouble and never stop praying I just love the simplicity of today's message rejoice in hope be patient in tribulation and be constant in prayer hope patience prayer hope patience prayer HPP hope patience prayer just pause here and continue to pray for those for hope for patients and for time to pray [Music] [Music] what have you felt or maybe experienced during this time of meditation will offer that now back to the Lord as a gift of quiet reflection seek his application of it into your life today [Music] [Music] join me now in a moment of closing prayer dear enduring God yes you know my heart you are intimately aware of my circumstances and you are more aware of them even than I am so in my difficult times help me find peace help me find paths towards you and not away from you and even in the midst of what feels like suffocating darkness let the love I show be sincere and active in the midst of difficult times give me the courage to hate what is evil to detest all ungodliness to not tolerate wickedness but to hold on tightly to what is good those times when I feel the most isolated and alone give me the love to be devoted to others to have authentic brotherly affection as members of one family and those times where I feel utterly exhausted give me the strength to not lag behind in enthusiastically serving you letting your spirit knit into me the awareness of constantly rejoicing out the hope I find in confidence in Christ the hope that can help me lean into Christ and not away the hope that helps me endure and stay patient during difficult times and the hope to stay devoted to prayer continually seeking wisdom guidance and strength in your midst I offer and pray this in the name of Jesus your son our Savior and my lord amen almost done before rushing off too quickly into a day full of distractions I hope you can pause before stepping into that world and rest a bit longer just soaking in hope patience and prayer and I hope that's soaking today will bring you into a place of peace and alignment with God as you meditate and abide in Christ is your personality one that continues firmly sometimes stubbornly on a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition well Jesus once told a story a story about a persistent woman it's really a parable about God and prayer a persistent Widow bugs a local judge for justice and bothers him so much that he finally gives her what she wants it tells a story of a neighbor who needs food for a visitor so he keeps knocking on the door until he gets what he needs in proverbs solomon clues us into one of the most important aspects of prayer persistence pursue God run after him until you find him so does that describe your relationship with God do you continue firmly pursuing God in prayer in spite of difficulty or opposition do you wish you could well join me as we meditate reflect and pray about persistence in prayer from proverbs chapter 21 verse 21 but as we begin please join me in a time of opening prayer dear God of wisdom your way is true and right your way is goodness and love in my heart I want the things that you have to give me but I confess that I do not always go after those things with diligence and persistence so Lord God give me drive today help me to live in a way that actively unceasingly pursues you and it's in the name of Jesus that I offer and acknowledge this to you in prayer amen so as we begin a time posturing and settling before the Lord what's running through your heart and mind right now I want you to acknowledge those worries those stressors and then put them aside for the next few minutes as we pray and meditate begin by taking a deep breath several hold it as long as you can and let the breathing cleanse your mind clear your mind focus on finding the stillness of God in this time of Prayer is there anything that is still bugging you in your life right now something that just won't let go something that blocks you from the quiet focus of prayer sin an unconfessed sin doubt worry confess those to God right now and remember he's a God of grace and mercy and love and forgiveness our God is king of light and life he is sovereign over everything that was and is and will be and he works it all for good ask him now to guide you and speak to you as I read from proverbs chapter 21 verse 21 and listen carefully whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life righteousness and honor so what did you hear what word stood out to you from this passage listen to it again carefully whoever pursues righteousness an unfailing love will find life righteousness and honor so what word did you hear what word can be the basis of a persistent prayer of yours today pray that now to God for several moments consider this do you keep pursuing God in prayer and keep asking and knocking or are there some things you've just given up on are you seeking and asking and knocking what are some prayers that you've given up on that need to be revisited take several moments now of reflection and think back on those prayers you with eyes still closed listen again as I read from proverbs chapter 21 verse 21 he who earnestly seek s'right estas and loyalty finds life righteousness and honor what did you hear this time what is God speaking to your heart through this passage who is righteous but God and who has unfailing love except God no one so we can't pursue righteousness without pursuing God but what are you pursuing what gets your energy let this be a time of reflection and perhaps confession Solomon tells us that if we pursue God we will find him and when we get God we also get his life and his righteousness and his honor but if we're honest it's rare to feel righteous when we pray when praying I often don't feel righteous I don't often feel loved so often I feel like my words just hit a ceiling but as his children we are loved ask him to show you how he sees you how has he infused you with His goodness this can be difficult this can be humbling but ask him that question now how has he revealed himself and his character and who he is inside of you and let this meditation be your prayer listen one in final time as I read and you reflect on proverbs chapter 21 verse 21 whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life righteousness and honor you know a quest takes time and effort a diligent pursuit of the righteousness of God is the work of a lifetime think of someone you know who is seasoned in his or her faith someone who really buys into being a Jesus follower what does their life look like let this time of reflection be your prayer to God you now you may not know that behind the scenes in that person's life but you can imagine this instead imagine an Olympic athlete who has trained honestly imagine the hours the diligence the sacrifices they've made they have pursued a goal and earned a prize again using your sanctified imagination get a clear picture in your head of the life of someone who actively trains for the next Olympics how much time per week is that training take how much of their life does that training affect I want you to take some significant time now and ponder that connection the connection between training for an Olympic event and finding time to pursue and be persistent in your relationship with God the Apostle Paul says that in 2nd Timothy chapter 4 I have fought the good fight I have finished the race I have kept the faith henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous judge will award to me on that day and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing if the Christian life is like the training and execution of a race how are you doing with your training is it an occasional burst of a workout or are you diligently persistently pursuing the strengthening of your faith every day are you allowing the goodness of Jesus to infuse every interaction you have in your life continue to ponder this and let that be your prayer to God ask God now for fresh or continued persistent desire for him and his righteousness and his love and his honor let this be your prayer join me now in a time of closing prayer dear unfailing and righteous God you alone are righteous you alone can love unfailingly and unconditionally so help me to pursue you for you and not your rewards or gifts but just for you I admit that I often do not feel your presence when I pray my days are so busy that even in the middle of prayer or reading your word my mind wanders back to my schedule so lock my mind and attention right now and help me to give you my full heart and attention there are needs that I've brought to you before God not given up don't let me lose hope give me a persistent spirit in prayer knowing that you give me what I need in due season do time and that you give good gifts to your children help me be like the persistent Widow and the nagging neighbor don't let me stop trusting in your faithfulness and love I pray because I cannot do these things only you can and it's in the name of Jesus that I pray amen so as we end our time together the things of today are probably already starting to flood back into your mind fuse together what God spoke to you and your reality as you imagine your to-do list imagine yourself pursuing righteousness as you do your daily tasks what does that look like let words like constant continual endless enduring insistent describe your prayer life today so ponder this question today have you recently felt weighed down particularly affected by gravity and maybe fearful of daily pressures in your life when you feel burdened or fearful where do you go or do you turn well a refuge is where you run to when you're in danger God actually created refuge cities in ancient Israel so the people who were wrongly accused or in danger could hide out in those cities safe where they could be cared for and protected from harm so what about you where is your refuge God tells us that he will protect us when we pray God brings us into his presence and shelters us from harm his very nearness is good for us what an amazing thought so where is your refuge what is it do you want help trying to find it today will join me as we meditate reflect and pray about God as your refuge from Psalm chapter 119 verse 114 but first join me in a time of opening prayer dear protector God you are my safe place you are my rest I can trust you because I know you are absolutely sovereign and perfectly good help me to lean into you all the time not just when I need help or go through something hard but build my faith in you and you alone dear God and it's in Jesus name that I pray amen so as we begin and as we posture ourselves before a safe and protecting God if you can but like you to bow down today get on your knees if you're able to on the floor if you can't do that that's okay but find a posture or get into a frame of mind that allows you to humble yourself today and place yourself under the shield of our great God ponder that now do that now if you can [Music] now in a time of cleansing want you to focus on coming clean if there's anything holding you back from connecting with God what a perfect time to confess that now and as we begin so take a moment now really all the time that you need and focus on those things that are blocking you from feeling in his presence I know that may be difficult but remember that God is a God of love and grace and mercy and forgiveness so approach him now in a time of confession and cleansing [Music] our God is a God of strength he is a safe place a mighty tower turn to him now listen carefully to what he has to tell you about who he is open your heart to these words of praise from Psalm chapter 119 verse 114 you are my refuge and my shield your word is my source of hope so what image comes to mind from this passage try to create a concrete picture of that in your mind of God as a refuge or a shield listen to this passage carefully one more time you are my refuge and my shield your word is my source of hope what word did you hear most clearly in that passage let that be your focus now take several moments and focus on what you heard and let that focus become your prayer [Music] [Music] ask yourself this question where do I turn and run to when I'm in trouble is God my refuge or do I run to other people or things for my protection is the Bible my source of hope or is my hope in money or success or recognition or something else focus on that question ponder that as you prepare to go deeper in your time of meditation and prayer before God [Music] [Music] [Music] with eyes still closed listen again as I read from psalm 119 verse 114 you are my hiding place and my shield I wait for your word what does this passage tell you about God how has he shown himself to be a hiding place for you is that a characteristic of God that you embrace or understand do you want to pursue that more ponder that now at a time of meditation [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] in psalm 119 verse 114 we find a man who desires to keep God's laws but also desires his presence perhaps you are weary today and desire God to be near to you take a moment right now and just let God read your heart no eloquent words no words at all really just sit and rest in his presence focus on his presence now in a time of deeper reflection and meditation [Music] [Music] to weight is a difficult thing we want action now but waiting on the Word of God or putting your hope in his word means trusting that God will do what he says he will work all things for our good just maybe not in our timing or in the way we expect but he will work on us and make us more like him every day it just takes time he does have a purpose for us but it may look different or take longer than we want so are you placing your ultimate hope in God or are you trying to force things to happen in your timing and in your way focus on that now as a time of confession if you need as you ponder that before the Lord [Music] [Music] listen one in final time as I read and you reflect on psalm 119 verse 114 you are my refuge and my shield your word is my source of hope King David talks a lot about God as a refuge or a shield in Psalm 3 verse 3 says but you O Lord are my shield about me my glory and the lifter of my head in Psalm chapter 32 verse 7 it says you are a hiding place for me you preserve me from trouble you surround me with shouts of deliverance Psalm 91 verses 1 and 2 says he who dwells in the shelter of the most high will abide in the shadow of the Almighty I will say to the Lord my refuge and my fortress my god in whom I trust so right now want you to imagine God as a literal hiding place imagine him as a place you go for rest from the battle or protection from your enemies what do you need a hiding place from today using your sanctified imagination I want you to imagine that literally as God is a literal hiding place and what are you hiding from today what do you need protection from but do you need refuge from today let this time of reflection be your meditation and prayer [Music] [Music] it's in the midst of trouble that David needs shelter but more than physical protection David knows that in God he can find restoration healing the Lord lifts his head the Lord delivers the Lord is the one whom David trusts so imagine yourself sitting in the literal safe refuge of the presence of God as you sit there you are not just shielded but you were given energy and joy and peace so take time now to be present with God in this safe place [Music] [Music] when you are rested you are ready to accomplish the tasks God has given you to do today so ask God now to rejuvenate you to give you what you need to face the day with courage and joy regardless of what comes and let this consideration be your meditation and prayer to God [Music] [Music] join me now as we close our time oh refuge and shielding God let me hide myself and you know don't let my heart be fooled into thinking that anyone or anything else can comfort fulfill or shelter me today only you can dear lord please expose the idols in my life the things and people that I so often use to make myself feel better instead of you let me run to you as my true hope my true shelter refuge and God you care for me as a father cares for his child you love me with an everlasting love all things are yours and you are a generous God I am yours today and you are mine teach my heart to trust you more today and destroy the false idols and comforts in my life that are not of you I thank you for this time this realization this new trust and I pray this all in the name of your son Jesus Christ amen so as you begin to come out of the stillness of prayer want you to grab on to the things that God spoke to you during your time today internalize them ask him to help you remember that he is a safe place that he is the true hope the true refuge the true rest and as you reach out today towards surrendering to the safe secure refuge arms of Jesus I hope it brings you into a place of peace that lasts throughout your day as you continue to meditate reflect pray and abide in Christ [Music] [Music] so here's an interesting question what do you think is one of the most cruel lessons being taught in some churches today several may pop in mind but the one I hope we can spend time meditating on today is the cruel message that Christ's death on the cross means the end of suffering for all who have sufficient faith it may be in hidden phrases like God wants you to be happy or god never desires for you to be in pain or what about if you just pray harder or have more faith God will heal you have you heard any of those have you hoped any of them were true well sure I know I have but consider this today do you ever doubt your faith when you suffer trials well join me as we meditate reflect and pray about standing firm in suffering from 1st Peter chapter 5 verse 10 but first join me in a moment of opening prayer dear God I am no stranger to suffering but oh dear God nothing that compares to what so many others are experiencing compared to others my suffering is more of a mere inconvenience but you dear God by your grace will restore and strengthen us in the midst of our trials and sufferings let me remember that and I offer and pray this in the name of Jesus your son our Savior and my lord amen you know we really are addicted to comfort just consider how much of our economy is based on comforting us food entertainment clothing we want to be comfortable and what to be comfortable now immediately so it's really no wonder that attitude leaks into how we pursue God we want him to make us comfortable but that is neither his goal or our highest pursuit today's meditation is about suffering but as we begin today's journey and meditation I want you to start by taking a few deep cleansing breaths just be still settle in close your eyes and today I want you to get uncomfortable I want you to sit up uncomfortably straight in a chair that is maybe already not comfortable if I lost you already I hope not I want you to suffer a bit as you find a sacred space to posture and reveal yourself before a sustaining God in reverent awe is there anything in your heart that is blocking you from relying on him today maybe even you're uncomfortable posture right now or an attitude a sinful habit maybe some doubt or anger well confess those things to God right now ask him and thank him for his grace and forgiveness God is revealed glory the very image of glory listen carefully as I read from first Peter chapter 5 verse 10 and after you have suffered a little while the God of all Grace who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore confirm strengthen and establish you so how are you holding up being uncomfortable we'll continue to be faithful and consider what stood out to you from that passage which word which emotion listen to it again and after you have suffered a little while the God of all Grace who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore confirm strengthen and establish you so what is God telling you through the words of this passage but those words become your prayer to him in this sacred moment of meditation as you focus on God [Music] [Music] [Music] are you still a little uncomfortable good tempted to leave why what does that reveal to you notice this passage doesn't say God will bring us comfort in our pain it says he will complete confirm strengthen and establish in our suffering so consider your discomfort now how is God using it to complete you open your heart more deeply to him right now meditate on that in the midst of your discomfort how is he revealing himself [Music] [Music] with I still closed listen again as I read from first Peter chapter 5 verse 10 after you have suffered for a little while the God of all Grace who imparts his blessing in favor who called you to his own eternal glory in Christ will himself complete confirm strengthen and establish you making you what you ought to be what did you hear this time what did you remember about the passage that you might have forgotten earlier or where did your memory settle take a moment to focus on that Center on it and drive thoughts of that deeper into your mind as you meditate [Music] so are you still a little uncomfortable are you holding in there well listen as the New Living Translation says God will restore support and strengthen you in the midst of your suffering so besides sitting up straight in an uncomfortable chair what is another recent trial you have had or maybe are experiencing today meditate on how he might be strengthening you in the midst of that listen to him now quietly meditate on that [Music] you another interesting aspect of this passage is how the God of all grace will impart his blessing and favor on you grace is receiving something you don't deserve so here's another profound question for you to meditate on has there been a recent trial in your life of your own doing suffering that you brought on yourself and yet by His grace he strengthened you instead of giving you what you deserved ponder that bring him your thanks right now and meditate on how you will respond to him [Music] [Music] listen one in final time as I read and you reflect on first Peter chapter 5 verse 10 the God shows undeserved kindness to everyone that's why he appointed Christ Jesus to choose you to share in his eternal glory you will suffer for a little while but God will make you then complete steady strong and firm 2nd Corinthians chapter 4 has a similar passage it says for this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison it's interesting how it defines our trials as light momentary afflictions I know very possibly yours may seem anything but light and momentary and hardly described as an affliction they probably feel like a full onslaught or a barrage against your sanity but let's ask him here for that view pray here for God to let you see your darkest moments as light momentary and an affliction pray that and meditate as he transforms your heart into his [Music] [Music] stay there for a moment using your sanctified imagination from the Spirit of God I want you to see your darkest moment of suffering visualize it see it physically before you see it smell it taste it now see it actually becoming light not dark and maybe even lighter in weight and floating away see it there one moment now see it gone in a moment and feel the pain dissolving into nothing more than an annoyance ask the spirit to transform your sufferings so you will see them as God sees them light momentary and mere afflictions see it happening in your mind as the spirit transforms you [Music] [Music] [Music] join me now in a time of closing prayer dear Lord God yes I am we in my own strength I try and face the trials that I suffer but I fail so often in my own strength I stand only to fall back down so today as I face trials that cause suffering for even just a little while longer help me sense your presence like never before in the midst of the trials and suffering in my life continue to work in my life complete me confirm and strengthen me give me hope in you establish yourself in and through me so I can become who I ought to be in you I offer and pray this in the name of Jesus your son our Savior and My Lord amen almost finished but not quite before we rush off I want you to slowly and softly open your eyes and get comfortable slouch settle whatever just get comfortable but remember the discomfort and today look for those moments of discomfort to remind you of his presence and strength in the midst of your pain and I hope that reminder will keep you in a place of peace all day today and through your life as you frequently meditate and abide in Christ what are you going through today what is testing you you'll never have a better day then when you learn to stand strong in the Lord some seasons of life can feel so overwhelming and exhausting camping and in the middle of those seasons people think they help by saying things like there's a plan or something good will come from this and that's a nice sentiment but it doesn't really acknowledge the pain that's so very real the Bible says something better James is not one to leave us with nice platitudes he is an author that tells the truth and he gives hope that as we push through trials there is reward on the other side of this life do you want to experience that reward that push through a trial well join me as we meditate reflect and pray about hope in trials from James chapter 1 verse 12 but let's start with an opening prayer dear God you are good and you are true you see me in my trial and though you have the power to stop it you choose to allow this test sometimes I don't always understand why but use this to refine me make me better help me to see you and keep my eyes focused on you and heaven and it's in the name of God the Father Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit that I pray amen so as we begin breathe just breathe deeply find a position and spot where you can just stop for a moment and be still and breathe let it out focus your mind on God and ask him to open your heart to what he has to say today tell god what is wearing you out or hurting you today tell him your doubts your anger and your tears he's God he can handle it our God is the God of eternity the architect of heaven this world isn't it ask him now to help you notice one word or phrase or image from James chapter 1 verse 12 blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him what did you hear listen again carefully as I read blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him what stood out to you this time take a moment and let that idea soak up into your heart let your thoughts be your prayer God doesn't promise an easy life he promises blessings for those who walk bravely and faithfully through tough things ask God now to give you strength and endurance to remain steadfast under trial with your eyes still closed listen again as I read from James chapter 1 verse 12 blessed happy spiritually prosperous and favored by God is the man who is steadfast under trial and persevere when tempted for when he has passed the test and been approved he will receive the victors crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love him what did you hear this time to God we enforced something or reveal something new to you ask God to help you understand what he is saying to you today through his word did you notice the phrase spiritually prosperous normally we hear the word blessed in the context of material things or happy endings but here it talks about blessed in trial so blessing is about getting something more valuable than comfort how do you think about blessings and trials ask God now to help you see blessings in the midst of trials instead of the opposite of trial the crown of life is clarified here as the victors crown of life if this life is a marathon then trial is a stretch that requires extra endurance and perspective to see the finish line ask Jesus now to help you fix your eyes on him as you persevere listen one in final time as I read and you reflect on James chapter 1 verse 12 blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him your pain is real my friend so as you keep pushing keep working keep going know that you have a father God who cheers you on and fills you up imagine your race your story what's hard about it what doubts or temptations are tripping you up what burdens are you trying to carry by yourself tell him about them now hebrews chapter 12 verses 1 & 2 says therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us looking to Jesus the founder and the perfecter of our faith who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross despising the shame and is seated now at the right hand of the throne of God use your imagination here I want you to feel the weights literally hanging around your neck feel the cold chains the weights dragging across the floor forcing your body to bend over in pain how do they feel what does Jesus see in your eyes as you carry them tell him about the weight tell him about the pain now imagine unlocking them throwing off the weights the things that snare you how did the chains sound hitting the floor how did the weights sound dropping to the floor imagine Jesus at the finish line with the keys to the locks to your chains the keys to heaven imagine that now in prayer a day will come when you see him face to face he will look you in the eye and say well done as he puts the crown of life on your head think about what that would mean to you ask him to teach you how to endure by desiring him above every other comfort the world has to offer and ask him now join me in a time of closing prayer dear father God you see me here in this broken world you know my broken heart you are all-knowing so you know the end of the story you are sovereign so you have written the end of the story help me to be steadfast and strong today dear God let me view my world through an eternal lens and let me handle today with your grace and your patience give me endurance as I run this race and let me hope in knowing you are there at the end in Jesus name Amen we want to offer scriptural prayer for those struggling with anxiety disorder and those closest to them symptoms can include stress that's a bit at a proportion to the impact of an event in our life an inability to set aside worry restlessness anxiety is so conflicting it may be hard to imagine your life without it but it may be equally hard to imagine letting go of it you know want to feel this way and others don't want you feeling this way either you may feel like others don't understand and you know what they may not others may see your anxiety as well just an idea that can be easily dismissed with rational thought they may share statistics to prove there's nothing to worry about but to you it's not just a thought it's a feeling a very real feeling but the strange thing is we have feelings all day about so many things most of which we easily dismiss but with some of these feelings we start to obsess on them we give energy to them and we become a prisoner to this endless loop of worry and anxiety if you're struggling with anxiety disorder will you join me in this prayer dear Lord God sovereign God God of peace there is no fear no anxiety no panic in your kingdom establish your kingdom in my heart in my mind today right now so that I can walk in peace so that I can walk in confidence and strength open the eyes of my heart so that I can see all that you want for me show me how I've been blessed with every spiritual blessing dear protective God you are all around me you guard me with your word with your presence and with the command of your angels more God you will not let me stumble you will not let me fall help me trust you help me remember I am your child and you or my father I'm seated with you in heaven I'm at rest in your arms you cover me with your wings you fight for me you provide everything I need for life for peace provision and protection I confess to you that at times maybe even today maybe even in this moment maybe even in this second I feel imprisoned by fear and anxiety I confess it to you right now give me the courage Lord God to whisper that confession to you right now let me take a deep breath and name my anxiety share it with you tell it to you as these feelings rise up within me give me your courage to face them to stare them down acknowledge them and bring them into light they lose their power over me in your light the anxious thoughts I have that weigh on me become weak when laid before you help me today in this moment this is a very moment to not be anxious about anything help me pray to you about everything help me cast every care I have on you guide me along the best paths to take advise me counsel me help me listen to you with my heart as you speak your peace over me father live in me and through me and help me put all of my trust in you and it's in Jesus name Amen what if this isn't you but what if someone close to you maybe someone with you right now is struggling with anxiety disorder will you join me in prayer dear Lord God sovereign God God of peace heal and bring peace to my friend release them from their fear their burden of fear of anxiety and panic establish your kingdom in their heart in their mind so that they can walk in peace and confidence and strength open the eyes of their heart so that they can see all that you want for them show them how they have been blessed with every one of your spiritual blessings dear protective God guard my friend guard them with your word with your presence and the command of your angels you were all around them right now or God give also your words your wisdom and your tenderness to me so that I may know how to be a present peaceful comfort for my friend guard my tongue from saying anything that may make things more anxious for them guard my attitude from maybe hurting them even further help us both listen to you with our hearts so we understand and feel the peace you are speaking over both of us father live in and through us instilling your peace into our lives that it's in Jesus name Amen do you feel full of joy and hope even during troubled times in your life you and I live in a broken world a world fractured by sin and separation from God it's not a matter of if but when we find ourselves in difficult times so stop for a moment in what area of your life are you struggling the most now ask yourself three questions first during these troubled times is your life full of joy and hope second do I joyfully lean into Jesus during difficult times or do I grumble third finally in difficult times are you deeply devoted to prayer well join me as we meditate reflect and pray about endurance and how to answer these three questions from Romans chapter 12 verse 12 but first join me in just a moment of opening prayer dear Heavenly Father by your grace and mercy and there are exceptions but I struggle to find joy in the midst of difficult times I fight to lean in but often lean away from you and hard times and when I should spend more time in prayer I spend less and my days are cloudy so help me find joy lean on you and pray even when my days are far from grey and I ask this now your authority and in the name of your son Jesus Christ to whom I pray that's convicting it really is about time isn't it we are so busy even at rest and all the more when caught up in the whirl of our lives but it's about making time to find time time to find joy time to lean on Christ and time to pray so today I hope this time of long deep meditation will help you find time that in your pursuit of him all other things of lesser value will fall away so as we begin take a few deep relaxing breaths it was peaceful deep breaths today and settle in to wherever you are being aware of the majesty of God like nothing else matters in the world finding time to focus solely on him finding time is where we will be going today [Music] [Music] scan your life in your body for a moment are their words or deeds thoughts actions or pain keeping you from spending time with him today well confess that now and then thank him for his grace his forgiveness and his love [Music] god is hope the Holy Spirit speaks God's joyful voice to us and Jesus is our example of how to find time to pray so listen carefully to every detail as I read from Romans chapter 12 verse 12 rejoice in hope be patient in tribulation and be constant in prayer what stood out to you from that short and powerful passage listen to it again rejoice in hope be patient in tribulation and be constant in prayer that is so short but so powerful it's read it again rejoice in hope be patient in tribulation be constant in prayer reflect here on how God might be using this passage to touch your life today [Music] [Music] [Music] so during these troubled times is your life full of joy and hope even in times far from trouble do you find time to reflect on the joy that you have in hope in Christ I'll pause here meditate and reflect on that make time right now to focus on the joy that you have and hope in Christ [Music] [Music] [Music] listen again as I read from Romans chapter 12 verse 12 may we constantly rejoice in hope because of our confidence in Christ steadfast and patient in distress and devoted to prayer continually seeking wisdom guidance and strength what did you hear this time did you hear something comforting or recognizable or something crisp and unusual we'll focus there even deeper and quiet meditation [Music] do you patiently lean into Jesus during difficult times or grumble impatiently and again do you lean on him even when times are far from difficult well pause here again meditate and reflect and make time right now to lean into the arms of Jesus resist pushing away but surrender into his arms just rest there for several moments [Music] st. Francis DeSales once said every one of us needs a half an hour of prayer every day except when you're busy then you need an hour I love that deal moody said something similar the busier I am the longer I pray that's so counterintuitive to our lives isn't it so how busy are you and what excuses do you use to not pray I want to challenge you to pause the app and pray longer right now are you are you hesitating over the pause button why well take significant time right now to rest before the Lord in quiet reflection knowing he is your Creator and his son is your Lord pause here and whisper to him Lord Jesus Christ son of God have mercy on me Lord Jesus Christ son of God have mercy on me pause the app and keep praying Lord Jesus Christ son of God have mercy on me [Music] [Music] [Music] listen one in final time as I read and you meditate on Romans chapter 12 verse 12 let your hope make you glad be patient in time of trouble and never stop praying I just love the simplicity of today's message rejoice in hope be patient in tribulation and be constant in prayer hope patience prayer hope patience prayer HPP hope patience prayer just pause here and continue to pray for those for hope for patients and for time to pray [Music] [Music] what have you felt or maybe experienced during this time of meditation will offer that now back to the Lord as a gift of quiet reflection seek his application of it into your life today [Music] [Music] join me now in a moment of closing prayer dear enduring God yes you know my heart you are intimately aware of my circumstances and you are more aware of them even than I am so in my difficult times help me find peace help me find paths towards you and not away from you and even in the midst of what feels like suffocating darkness let the love I show be sincere and active in the midst of difficult times give me the courage to hate what is evil to detest all ungodliness to not tolerate wickedness but to hold on tightly to what is good those times when I feel the most isolated and alone give me the love to be devoted to others to have authentic brotherly affection as members of one family and those times where I feel utterly exhausted give me the strength to not lag behind in enthusiastically serving you letting your spirit knit into me the awareness of constantly rejoicing hope the hope I find in confidence in Christ the hope that can help me lean into Christ and not away the hope that helps me endure and stay patient during difficult times in the hope to stay devoted to prayer continually seeking wisdom guidance and strength in your midst I offer and pray this in the name of Jesus your son our Savior and my lord amen almost done but before rushing off too quickly into a day full of distractions I hope you can pause before stepping into that world and rest a bit longer just soaking in hope patience and prayer and I hope that's soaking today will bring you into a place of peace and alignment with God as you meditate and abide in Christ dear protector God you are my safe place you are my rest I can trust you because I know you are absolutely sovereign and perfectly good help me to lean into you all the time not just when I need help or go through something hard but build my faith in you and you alone dear God and it's in Jesus name that I pray our God is a God of strength he is a safe place a mighty tower turn to him now listen carefully to what he has to tell you about who he is open your heart to these words of praise from Psalm chapter 119 verse 114 you are my refuge and my shield your word is my source of hope so what image comes to mind from this passage try to create a concrete picture of that in your mind of God as a refuge or a shield listen to this passage carefully one more time you are my refuge and my shield your word is my source of hope what word did you hear most clearly in that passage let that be your focus now take several moments and focus on what you heard and let that focus become your prayer [Music] [Music] [Music] ask yourself this question where do I turn and run to when I'm in trouble is God my refuge or do I run to other people or things for my protection is the Bible my source of hope or is my hope in money or success or recognition or something else focus on that question ponder that as you prepare to go deeper in your time of meditation and prayer before God [Music] with eyes still closed listen again as I read from psalm 119 verse 114 you are my hiding place and my shield I wait for your word what does this passage tell you about God how has he shown himself to be a hiding place for you is that a characteristic of God that you embrace or understand do you want to pursue that more Potter that now a time of meditation [Music] in psalm 119 verse 114 we find a man who desires to keep God's laws but also desires his presence perhaps you are weary today and desire God to be near to you take a moment right now and just let God read your heart no eloquent words no words at all really just sit and rest in his presence focus on his presence now in a time of deeper reflection and meditation [Music] [Music] we hope this meditation brought you peace to listen to the full collection of biblical bedtime stories download the abide app in the iTunes or Google Play Store

Channel: Abide - Sleep Meditations

Views: 903,534

Rating: 4.7569423 out of 5

Keywords: guided meditation fear, guided meditation anxiety, guided meditation worries, anxiety meditation, release fear, let go of fear, let go of anxiety, harmony meditation, inner peace meditation, healing meditation, guided meditation healing, guided meditation inner peace, guided meditation emotional healing, anxiety guided meditation, Guided Christian meditation, Guided Bible meditation, Christian fear not, Christian overcome, Christian peace meditation, Bible comfort meditate

Id: 7HxQ7SSKa_A

Length: 120min 11sec (7211 seconds)

Published: Mon May 06 2019