Welcome.
Find a comfortable position.
Let your body soften.
Let your shoulders drop.
Unclench your jaw.
Rest your hands gently.
Take a slow breath in and slowly let go.
Again,
Breathe in deeply and exhale softly.
One more time.
Inhale peace.
Exhale tension.
Today,
We are resting with the words of Jeremiah 29 11.
For I know the plans I have for you,
Says the Lord.
Plans for peace and not for evil to give you an expected end.
Take a breath.
Let's begin by simply hearing the verse again.
For I know the plans I have for you,
Said the Lord.
Plans for peace and not for evil to give you an expected end.
As you breathe,
Notice what word or phrase stands out to your heart.
Maybe it is I know the plans I have for you.
Maybe it is plans for peace.
Maybe it is not for evil.
Maybe it is to give you hope and a future.
Do not force anything.
Just gently what feels illuminated.
Now hold that phrase in your heart.
Breathe in slowly.
And as you exhale,
Repeat your phrase quietly.
Again,
Breathe in and exhale with that phrase.
Let the words move from your mind into your heart.
If your phrase is plans for peace,
Just rest there.
If your phrase is not for evil,
Just rest there.
If your phrase is I know the plans I have for you,
Just rest there.
Now begin to reflect with God.
What does this verse reveal about his heart?
He is not distant.
He is not careless.
He is not confused about your life.
He says,
I know.
He knows the places you have wept.
He knows the places you have feared.
He knows the parts of you.
He knows the dreams that feel fragile.
He knows the pain that you carry.
And he still says,
I know the plans I have for you.
Let yourself receive that.
You do not have to know every plan tonight.
You do not have to figure out your whole future right now.
You only have to rest in the one who already knows.
Breathe in slowly.
And exhale.
Now notice what arises in you as you hear the words plans for peace and not for evil.
Maybe you feel comfort.
Maybe you feel resistance.
Maybe you feel sadness.
Maybe you feel tears.
Maybe part of you wants to believe it,
But feels afraid.
Bring that honestly to God now.
You can say quietly,
Jesus,
Help me believe your goodness.
Help me trust that your heart towards me is peace.
Heal the part of me that expects harm.
Teach my soul to rest in your plans.
Rest again with that verse.
For I know the plans I have for you,
Saith the Lord.
Plans for peace and not for evil.
To give you an expectant end.
Lord,
Thank you that your plans are not rooted in harm.
Thank you that even when I do not understand my life,
You are good.
Thank you that you see,
Father,
What I cannot see.
Thank you that your heart towards me is peace.
Reassurance for every fearful place in me.
Quiet every anxious thought.
Wash over every wound that has taught me to expect pain.
Help me trust you are leading me with love.
Help me believe that my future is held by you.
Take a slow breath in and let it go.
Now we enter a quiet rest.
No striving.
No overthinking.
No forcing.
Just be with him.
Let the verse sit over you like a covering.
I know the plans I have for you.
Plans for peace,
Not for evil.
To give you hope and a future.
If your mind wanders,
Gently return to the words,
Plans for peace.
Or,
I know the plans I have for you.
Rest here a little longer.
As we begin to close,
Place your hand over your heart if that feels comfortable.
Take one more deep breath in.
And exhale slowly.
Hear this verse one final time.
For I know the plans I have for you,
Said the Lord.
Plans for peace and not for evil.
To give you an expected end.
May these words stay with you.
May they settle your mind.
May they soften your heart.
May they remind you that God is kind,
Present,
And faithful.
Go gently.
You are held by the one who knows.
Amen.
