1 00:00:34,876 --> 00:00:39,556 Speaker 1: Welcome to Abides Sleep Meditations. I'm Tyler Boss. Today's meditation 2 00:00:39,676 --> 00:00:42,436 Speaker 1: is brought to you by our partners at Life Audio. 3 00:00:42,676 --> 00:00:45,156 Speaker 1: If you go to lifeaudio dot com you will find 4 00:00:45,276 --> 00:00:48,356 Speaker 1: dozens of other faith centered podcasts in their network. They've 5 00:00:48,396 --> 00:00:52,076 Speaker 1: got shows about prayer, Bible study, parenting, and more. Head 6 00:00:52,076 --> 00:00:55,556 Speaker 1: over to lifeaudio dot com. Now, remember you can. 7 00:00:55,436 --> 00:00:58,556 Speaker 2: Have full access to all our sleep stories commercial free. 8 00:00:58,756 --> 00:01:01,676 Speaker 2: Just text Abide to two two four three three for 9 00:01:01,756 --> 00:01:05,596 Speaker 2: twenty five percent off the app. Now relax your mind 10 00:01:05,876 --> 00:01:11,556 Speaker 2: and body as we hear tonight's sleep story. 11 00:01:12,436 --> 00:01:16,916 Speaker 3: Hello and welcome to this sleep story from Abide. My 12 00:01:17,036 --> 00:01:21,236 Speaker 3: name is Jonathan. Thanks for joining me for our story. 13 00:01:22,076 --> 00:01:30,436 Speaker 3: Take Hold of Hope. In Colossians chapter one, verse twenty three, 14 00:01:30,476 --> 00:01:33,836 Speaker 3: Paul and Timothy encourage believers to take hold of the 15 00:01:33,916 --> 00:01:39,196 Speaker 3: hope offered in the gospel. This is a powerful message 16 00:01:39,796 --> 00:01:45,036 Speaker 3: of grasping the hope found only in Christ. They say, 17 00:01:45,756 --> 00:01:51,196 Speaker 3: continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not 18 00:01:51,516 --> 00:01:55,996 Speaker 3: move from the hope held out in the Gospel. This 19 00:01:56,156 --> 00:01:59,636 Speaker 3: is the gospel that you heard, and that's been proclaimed 20 00:01:59,676 --> 00:02:03,116 Speaker 3: to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, 21 00:02:03,876 --> 00:02:12,756 Speaker 3: have become a servant in this peaceful Bible meditation. You'll 22 00:02:12,836 --> 00:02:17,516 Speaker 3: experience renewed hope to continue in whatever measure of faith 23 00:02:17,556 --> 00:02:23,276 Speaker 3: you have. You'll also be encouraged to remain in Christ Jesus, 24 00:02:24,276 --> 00:02:33,156 Speaker 3: secure and established in Him. Find rest as you hear 25 00:02:33,316 --> 00:02:38,396 Speaker 3: powerful scriptures offering hope for your journey, and sleep soundly 26 00:02:39,276 --> 00:02:44,516 Speaker 3: as you encounter faith building illustrations that encourage and inspire. 27 00:02:48,116 --> 00:02:53,236 Speaker 3: Let go of all worry, anxiety, and stress as you 28 00:02:53,316 --> 00:03:00,036 Speaker 3: receive genuine prayers of faith and covering. Listen as long 29 00:03:00,116 --> 00:03:02,276 Speaker 3: as you like, or as long as you need to 30 00:03:02,316 --> 00:03:08,836 Speaker 3: fall asleep in the presence of the Lord. Allow this 31 00:03:09,156 --> 00:03:12,716 Speaker 3: to be a time of full surrender, letting your thoughts 32 00:03:12,716 --> 00:03:19,516 Speaker 3: and emotions be calm by God's love. Together, we will 33 00:03:19,516 --> 00:03:22,636 Speaker 3: invite Him to be with us, guiding us on this 34 00:03:22,836 --> 00:03:27,756 Speaker 3: peaceful sleep journey of renewed trust. Will follow His direction 35 00:03:28,236 --> 00:03:35,276 Speaker 3: every step of the way. I'm truly grateful you're here, 36 00:03:35,516 --> 00:03:38,596 Speaker 3: my friend, and I pray you'll be blessed by the 37 00:03:38,636 --> 00:03:42,156 Speaker 3: words of Paul and Timothy encouraging you to take hold 38 00:03:42,236 --> 00:03:49,196 Speaker 3: of the hope found in Christ Jesus. When you're trying 39 00:03:49,236 --> 00:03:53,676 Speaker 3: to define what hope means, it can feel a bit elusive, 40 00:03:54,796 --> 00:03:56,996 Speaker 3: but When we turn to the scriptures, we're given a 41 00:03:57,156 --> 00:04:04,516 Speaker 3: treasure of hope filled wisdom for our journey. In Kalassians 42 00:04:04,596 --> 00:04:09,516 Speaker 3: Chapter one, verse twenty three, Paul encourages us to remain 43 00:04:09,636 --> 00:04:18,036 Speaker 3: steadfast in hope, saying, continue in your faith, established and firm, 44 00:04:18,076 --> 00:04:20,636 Speaker 3: and don't move from the hope held out in the Gospel. 45 00:04:21,756 --> 00:04:24,676 Speaker 3: This is the gospel that you heard, and that's been 46 00:04:24,716 --> 00:04:29,076 Speaker 3: proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, 47 00:04:29,756 --> 00:04:35,596 Speaker 3: have become a servant. But the hope found in Christ 48 00:04:36,636 --> 00:04:40,516 Speaker 3: shine on you like the bright morning sun light your 49 00:04:40,556 --> 00:04:47,756 Speaker 3: heart with joy and peace. Feel the strength God gives 50 00:04:48,756 --> 00:04:57,796 Speaker 3: restoring hope as you rest and trust in Him. According 51 00:04:57,836 --> 00:05:02,356 Speaker 3: to the Dictionary, hope means a feeling of trust or 52 00:05:02,396 --> 00:05:09,396 Speaker 3: a desire for something to happen. Let the thought of 53 00:05:09,636 --> 00:05:14,596 Speaker 3: deeper trust settle over you for a few moments, all 54 00:05:14,716 --> 00:05:19,156 Speaker 3: doubt fades away. As you put your trust in Jesus, 55 00:05:22,236 --> 00:05:25,876 Speaker 3: you can count on Him, my friend. Whatever you desire 56 00:05:26,196 --> 00:05:29,236 Speaker 3: can be committed to the Lord with full trust that 57 00:05:29,316 --> 00:05:38,636 Speaker 3: he hears, sees, and blesses according to his will. Rest 58 00:05:38,716 --> 00:05:43,036 Speaker 3: for a moment in the holy will of God. It's good, 59 00:05:43,636 --> 00:05:53,116 Speaker 3: pleasing and perfect. Continue resting quietly in the peaceful tranquility 60 00:05:53,636 --> 00:05:56,676 Speaker 3: of the room, as I share our key passage again. 61 00:05:57,756 --> 00:06:04,436 Speaker 3: Here's what it says. Continue in your faith, established and firm, 62 00:06:04,476 --> 00:06:06,756 Speaker 3: and do not move from the hope held out in 63 00:06:06,796 --> 00:06:11,196 Speaker 3: the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard, and 64 00:06:11,236 --> 00:06:15,116 Speaker 3: that's been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of 65 00:06:15,156 --> 00:06:23,356 Speaker 3: which I, Paul have become a servant. Rest on the 66 00:06:23,436 --> 00:06:29,156 Speaker 3: phrase continue in your faith. Let it strengthen you as 67 00:06:29,196 --> 00:06:34,636 Speaker 3: you sleep. It's good to continue in wisdom and truth. 68 00:06:35,716 --> 00:06:39,316 Speaker 3: Be steadfast in what you know to be true. Jesus 69 00:06:39,636 --> 00:06:47,596 Speaker 3: is the truest thing in your life. Envision a brick building, 70 00:06:48,156 --> 00:06:53,556 Speaker 3: well established and solid in structure. Each brick is layered 71 00:06:53,836 --> 00:06:58,156 Speaker 3: with the strength of mortar in between. The foundation is 72 00:06:58,236 --> 00:07:02,996 Speaker 3: fortified and stable. This building is a symbol of your faith, 73 00:07:03,876 --> 00:07:12,076 Speaker 3: established and immovable. In Matthew chapter seven, verses twenty four 74 00:07:12,116 --> 00:07:16,516 Speaker 3: and twenty five, Jesus says, everyone, then, who hears these 75 00:07:16,556 --> 00:07:19,996 Speaker 3: words of Mine and does them, will be like a 76 00:07:20,116 --> 00:07:24,916 Speaker 3: wise man who built his house on the rock. And 77 00:07:24,956 --> 00:07:28,156 Speaker 3: the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds 78 00:07:28,676 --> 00:07:32,716 Speaker 3: blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, 79 00:07:33,636 --> 00:07:39,796 Speaker 3: because it had been founded on the rock founded on 80 00:07:40,036 --> 00:07:44,836 Speaker 3: the rock. Feel the strength of that statement. Your faith 81 00:07:45,116 --> 00:07:51,356 Speaker 3: is built on solid rock. As Deuteronomy chapter thirty two, 82 00:07:51,556 --> 00:07:57,556 Speaker 3: verse four says, He is the rock. His works are perfect, 83 00:07:58,396 --> 00:08:07,276 Speaker 3: and all his ways are Just feel the support underneath you. 84 00:08:07,276 --> 00:08:13,276 Speaker 3: You're safe, protected, upheld, and supported by the God who 85 00:08:13,356 --> 00:08:21,196 Speaker 3: loves you. There's no need to fear. You are immovable 86 00:08:21,836 --> 00:08:28,636 Speaker 3: in Christ Jesus, as Paul encourages, Therefore, my beloved brothers 87 00:08:28,676 --> 00:08:36,196 Speaker 3: and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work 88 00:08:36,276 --> 00:08:40,716 Speaker 3: of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor 89 00:08:40,796 --> 00:08:49,196 Speaker 3: is not in vain. The writer of Hebrews says, Let 90 00:08:49,316 --> 00:08:53,556 Speaker 3: us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken. 91 00:08:57,196 --> 00:09:02,756 Speaker 3: Rest soundly and the unshakable faith you've been given. Let 92 00:09:02,756 --> 00:09:09,596 Speaker 3: it comfort and assure you that you belong to Christ. 93 00:09:11,516 --> 00:09:16,316 Speaker 3: Gracious God, please speak words of life and truth to 94 00:09:16,396 --> 00:09:25,876 Speaker 3: this precious listening friend, reminding them that they're yours. I 95 00:09:26,076 --> 00:09:30,396 Speaker 3: ask that you strengthen them as they sleep, provide just 96 00:09:30,476 --> 00:09:38,156 Speaker 3: what's needed to be unshakable in the days ahead. Thank you, 97 00:09:38,236 --> 00:09:42,036 Speaker 3: Lord for putting your heads around them and shielding them 98 00:09:42,076 --> 00:09:47,356 Speaker 3: from any storm that comes. You are a holy refuge 99 00:09:47,396 --> 00:09:57,276 Speaker 3: of peace and security in Jesus' name. Amen. In the 100 00:09:57,356 --> 00:10:02,396 Speaker 3: New American Standard Bible, Paul and Timothy encourage the Colossians 101 00:10:02,756 --> 00:10:08,996 Speaker 3: by saying, continue in the faith, firmly established and steadfast, 102 00:10:09,996 --> 00:10:12,436 Speaker 3: and not shifting from the hope of the Gospel that 103 00:10:12,476 --> 00:10:17,196 Speaker 3: you've heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, 104 00:10:18,396 --> 00:10:26,516 Speaker 3: and of which I, Paul, was made a minister. Dream 105 00:10:26,676 --> 00:10:31,156 Speaker 3: of walking along the beach at night, your feet sinking 106 00:10:31,276 --> 00:10:38,356 Speaker 3: into the soft sand. You stroll along the water's edge 107 00:10:38,876 --> 00:10:46,196 Speaker 3: and stop and gaze at the gentle ocean waves. Almost rhythmically, 108 00:10:47,316 --> 00:10:52,276 Speaker 3: waves form in the deep, cascading towards you and landing 109 00:10:52,556 --> 00:11:00,156 Speaker 3: softly at your feet. Let the continual lull of the 110 00:11:00,236 --> 00:11:06,116 Speaker 3: ocean remind you of the continuance of your faith. No 111 00:11:06,316 --> 00:11:11,596 Speaker 3: matter how strong the waves, you remain steadfast and secure 112 00:11:12,356 --> 00:11:21,476 Speaker 3: in Christ Jesus. Sleep soundly in the security you have 113 00:11:21,636 --> 00:11:25,036 Speaker 3: in Christ. As I read a hope filled passage from 114 00:11:25,036 --> 00:11:29,636 Speaker 3: Psalm one hundred and thirty six, here's what it says. 115 00:11:31,396 --> 00:11:34,756 Speaker 3: Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for 116 00:11:34,836 --> 00:11:40,836 Speaker 3: his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God 117 00:11:41,036 --> 00:11:48,316 Speaker 3: of Gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. To him 118 00:11:48,396 --> 00:11:54,836 Speaker 3: who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever. 119 00:11:56,596 --> 00:12:01,676 Speaker 3: To him who, by understanding made the heavens, for his 120 00:12:01,796 --> 00:12:07,596 Speaker 3: steadfast love endures forever, To him who spread out the 121 00:12:07,636 --> 00:12:13,556 Speaker 3: earth above the waters, for his steadfast love endures forever, 122 00:12:15,236 --> 00:12:18,796 Speaker 3: To him who made the great lights, for his steadfast 123 00:12:18,876 --> 00:12:24,676 Speaker 3: love endures forever. The sun to rule over the day, 124 00:12:25,796 --> 00:12:32,436 Speaker 3: for his steadfast love endures forever, the moon and stars 125 00:12:32,476 --> 00:12:37,476 Speaker 3: to rule over the night. For his steadfast love inders forever. 126 00:12:42,116 --> 00:12:46,916 Speaker 3: Take hold of the hope offered by your steadfast Lord 127 00:12:46,996 --> 00:12:51,356 Speaker 3: and Savior. He is good to you, and he wants 128 00:12:51,396 --> 00:12:58,516 Speaker 3: the best for you. God of Gods and Lord of lords, 129 00:12:59,396 --> 00:13:08,156 Speaker 3: his love endures forever. Rest in the great wonders He's 130 00:13:08,196 --> 00:13:11,956 Speaker 3: done in your life. He has fashioned you for a 131 00:13:12,076 --> 00:13:18,756 Speaker 3: mighty purpose. He has breathed life into your lungs. He 132 00:13:18,836 --> 00:13:23,476 Speaker 3: upholds you with his righteous right hand and fills you 133 00:13:23,556 --> 00:13:31,436 Speaker 3: with renewed hope and joy. The creator of the universe 134 00:13:31,796 --> 00:13:35,516 Speaker 3: already had you in mine when he out the earth 135 00:13:36,076 --> 00:13:40,476 Speaker 3: above the waters and place the sun, moon and stars 136 00:13:41,356 --> 00:13:46,796 Speaker 3: in specific order for sustained life. What a wonderful maker, 137 00:13:48,236 --> 00:13:58,356 Speaker 3: beautiful Savior, and perfect redeemer you have. Sleep deeply and 138 00:13:58,476 --> 00:14:07,476 Speaker 3: his loving care. He's with you every moment. Let me 139 00:14:07,556 --> 00:14:12,396 Speaker 3: pray for you one last time, Holy God, as this 140 00:14:12,596 --> 00:14:17,676 Speaker 3: precious child rests in full assurance of your loving presence. 141 00:14:18,916 --> 00:14:22,116 Speaker 3: I pray for their mind to be filled with messages 142 00:14:22,156 --> 00:14:28,516 Speaker 3: of hope and peace. By your spirit. Lord, press on 143 00:14:28,596 --> 00:14:34,196 Speaker 3: their hearts the beautiful truth of your gospel. Anew. The 144 00:14:34,236 --> 00:14:41,396 Speaker 3: good news is that Jesus is their hope eternal. Please 145 00:14:41,476 --> 00:14:46,236 Speaker 3: cover them with your love and goodness, renew their trust 146 00:14:46,276 --> 00:14:50,276 Speaker 3: in You, and draw their gaze to your continued work 147 00:14:50,356 --> 00:14:57,076 Speaker 3: in their life. Thank you for keeping them within your good, 148 00:14:57,436 --> 00:15:08,196 Speaker 3: pleasing and perfect will in Jesus' name. Amen. According to 149 00:15:08,236 --> 00:15:12,716 Speaker 3: the Dictionary, hope means a feeling of trust or a 150 00:15:12,756 --> 00:15:17,996 Speaker 3: desire for something to happen. As we close this sleep meditation, 151 00:15:19,236 --> 00:15:23,316 Speaker 3: you can rest assured that every feeling of trust in 152 00:15:23,356 --> 00:15:28,436 Speaker 3: God is much more than a feeling. It's a knowing 153 00:15:29,156 --> 00:15:33,196 Speaker 3: that the one and only true God is for you, 154 00:15:34,396 --> 00:15:39,356 Speaker 3: not against you. He loves you with an everlasting love 155 00:15:40,956 --> 00:15:45,396 Speaker 3: and seals you with the promise of eternal life with him. 156 00:15:47,756 --> 00:15:52,636 Speaker 3: Every desire you have is known by the Father, and 157 00:15:52,716 --> 00:15:57,836 Speaker 3: he invites you to ask of him. Let your asking 158 00:15:58,476 --> 00:16:02,276 Speaker 3: be in the name of Jesus. Your intentions be for 159 00:16:02,356 --> 00:16:08,356 Speaker 3: his glory, and your hope be rooted in Him. And 160 00:16:08,436 --> 00:16:12,876 Speaker 3: as always, continue to abide in Christ 161 00:16:41,876 --> 00:16:54,196 Speaker 1: Anything, anything,