Settle into a comfortable position and close your eyes.
Allow yourself to step away from the noise of the world and turn your attention inward.
Take a moment to slow your breathing.
Knowing that each breath is a gift from the Lord.
I invite you to extend your inhales to a gentle count of 3 or 4.
And exhale.
To five or six.
With every round of breath,
Feel your body soften,
Your mind quiet,
And your heart open to his presence.
Notice where your breath is moving most,
In your chest,
Belly,
Or back.
Without judgment,
Simply observe and remember that God formed every part of you,
Fearfully and wonderfully.
As you follow your natural breath.
Sense the rhythm of effort and ease.
With each inhale,
Imagine receiving strength.
With each exhale,
Imagine releasing burdens.
Feel the Holy Spirit gently guiding you to rest and renew.
Now picture yourself standing in God's creation.
At the base of a waterfall.
Surrounded by vibrant green grass,
Bright flowers,
And clear water.
You The sound of rushing water reminds you of his power and majesty.
The mist brushes your face like a gentle reminder,
Be still and know that I am God.
You watch the water cascade and see how the rushing falls eventually calm into a glass-like stream.
Is a picture of life's challenges.
Storms may rage,
But peace comes in his timing.
Off in the distance,
You see a mountain.
At the top rests something your heart deeply longs for.
A calling,
A breakthrough,
Or a prayer answered.
You lace up your boots and begin to climb knowing that the Lord goes before you.
The path is rocky.
Thorns snag,
Mud slips underfoot,
And the wind tests your strength.
You wonder if you can keep going.
But you remember his promise.
My grace is sufficient for you,
For my power is made perfect in weakness.
A quiet voice stirs inside.
With God,
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
He is my strength and my shield.
My heart trusts in Him and He helps me.
The Lord is faithful.
He will strengthen and protect me.
Say those words with your breath.
And let them sink deep into your spirit.
With God,
I can do all things through Christ,
Who strengthens me.
He is my strength and my shield.
My heart trusts in Him and He helps me.
The Lord is faithful.
He will strengthen and protect me.
You begin to climb again.
The obstacles are still there,
But something has shifted.
Your focus is no longer on your strength,
But his.
You Step by step you press on,
Trusting that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
Finally,
You reach the top.
Take a moment to pause and look back.
See how far you've come,
Not in your own might,
But by His hand guiding you all along.
Smile.
And thank him for the climb,
The lessons,
And the strength you found in his presence.
Remember this truth.
Life will always have mountains.
But you are never climbing alone,
Friend.
When the path feels steep.
Let these words be your anchor.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
God is my refuge and strength and ever-present help in trouble.
His power is made perfect in my weakness.
As you return to the present moment,
Begin to deepen your breath.
Find some gentle movement,
Wiggling your fingers,
Toes.
When you're ready,
Gently open your eyes.
And carry this reminder with you.
You are loved,
You are held,
And in Christ,
You are a strong friend.
You got this.
