¶ Welcome and Introduction
Welcome to this week's Guided Christian Meditation . I am Pastor Robert Young and thank you for allowing me to be your guide on this journey . If you're new to Guided Christian Meditation , may I suggest that you check out our episode 164 titled, Getting Started in Guided Christian Meditation .
Episode 164 explains the why and even the science behind all of the stages of meditation
¶ Today's Focus: Hope in Uncertainty
that we practice . Today's subject is about receiving hope in the midst of uncertain times . Today's meditation is entitled, Our Hope is in G od . Our scripture is from Romans 15:13 . But First, God requires us to be completely involved and free from wrongful acts in mind , body and spirit . Confession prepares the heart for being in the presence of Almighty God .
¶ Preparing Mind and Body
Let's repeat the prayer that King David prayed in Psalms , chapter 51 , verses 1 through 4 , where it says "have mercy upon me , o God , according to thy lovingkindness , according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies , blot out my transgressions , wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin , for I acknowledge my transgressions and my sin is ever
before me . Before we start to reflect on Romans , chapter 15 , verses 13 , let's prepare our minds by closing our eyes and taking a deep breath as we invite the presence of God to fill us . Now take a deep breath in for a count of seven . Hold the breath for a count of five and slowly exhale for a count of seven .
Let's repeat, Take a deep breath in for a count of seven , hold the breath for a count of five and then slowly exhale for a count of seven . Now let's prepare our bodies with muscle relaxation exercises . We will simply tense each muscle group for three seconds and then release the muscle . As always . Don't hold your breath for this portion of the meditation .
Let's begin with the calf muscles . Lightly tense the calf muscles for a count of three , now release . Moving upward to the hamstrings , quads and glutes, lightly tense for three seconds , now release . Moving to the abdominals , chest and back area, lightly tense for three seconds , now release .
Finally , moving to the arms and the shoulders , let's lightly tense these muscle groups for three seconds , now release .
¶ Worship and Praise
Now we can enter into worship of our Heavenly Father by focusing on Psalms 100 , verses 1-3 , where it tells us to "shout for joy to the Lord all the earth . Worship the Lord with gladness , come before him with joyful songs . Let's take a moment to lift up our voice in praise and thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father , who is worthy of all honor and glory .
Let's repeat Psalms chapter 8 , verse 9 , which says Lord , our Lord , how majestic is your name in all the earth . Now , now that we have prepared our minds , our bodies and our spirit , let's begin to examine Romans , chapter 15 , verses 13
¶ Examining Romans 15:13
. Where it says "may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace , as you trust in him , so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit .
In this passage , paul the Apostle tells the church that God is hope and that the Holy Spirit is the one that can fill them with hope , especially during a time when they may not be able to see why they should have hope . He tells them that the Holy Spirit can fill them with hope that overflows .
And speaking of hope , in 1 Peter 3 , verses 15 , peter tells the saints to be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope that is in them . Surely , in our modern times , God can , will and wants to fill us with hope , even though we may not be able to see the reasons why with our natural eyes .
Remember , this is not a promise that things will get better now , but that one day , suffering , pain , confusion and divisions will be done away with by the return of our Lord Jesus Christ .
¶ Reflection and Meditation
Let's take the next three minutes to reflect on the following questions . One, have my sense of hope run out ? Two, If situations don't change, will I still trust God ? Imagine, you calmly walking through your life being filled with the hope that God Imagine yourself calmly walking through life being filled with the hope and joy that only God gives .
Picture yourself answering people when asked, “why are you so calm . ” Hear your response and feel the joy flood from you to help someone else . Repeat the following affirmations now and for the next seven: Again , I am filled with the joy and hope that only the Holy Spirit can give Our assignment
¶ Assignment and Closing
. Listen to this meditation daily until it saturates your soul . Take the next 10 minutes to quietly listen and wait to receive the spirit of hope from God to fill your mind , body and spirit . Amen no-transcript .