Find a comfortable position either sitting or lying down and take a deep breath to settle in.
Just arriving in this present moment and releasing your mind from any distractions.
Notice if you can relax the shoulders away from the ears.
Soften the muscles in the face.
Arrive in a fully relaxed state.
As you settle into a state of calm,
Focus your mind on the image of God as your refuge.
Picture yourself standing at the entrance of a majestic castle built high upon a mountain peak.
The castle walls are made of solid stone and there are towers and turrets stretching up towards the sky.
A drawbridge leads you over the moat and into the castle's courtyard.
As you step inside you are surrounded by the castle's strong walls which provide a sense of safety and security.
You feel protected from the world outside and you know that within these walls you are safe,
You are secure.
Friend,
In that same way God is your refuge.
A safe haven in the midst of life's challenges and uncertainties.
He is a strong tower,
A fortress that you can turn to in times of trouble.
Just as the castle walls protect you from harm,
God offers you shelter from life's storms.
As you meditate on this image,
Allow yourself to feel the peace and comfort that comes from knowing that God is your refuge.
You can rest in the knowledge that he is always there for you,
Providing you with the strength and courage you need to face whatever challenges come your way.
Take a few deep breaths here and notice if with every exhale you can find just a little bit more length,
A little bit more ease,
A little bit more relaxation.
Notice if with every out breath you can release any fears or worries you may be holding on to.
Imagine yourself letting go of these burdens and placing them in God's hands.
Allow yourself to feel his love and protection surrounding you like the walls of a strong castle.
Friend,
I just want to share a couple of verses to encourage you today.
Psalm 1 and 7 says The Lord is good,
A refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him.
2 Samuel 22 and 3 says,
My God is my rock,
In whom I take refuge,
My shield and the horn of my salvation.
He is my stronghold,
My refuge and my Savior.
From violent people you save me.
Psalm 62 and 8 says,
Trust in him at all times,
You people.
Pour out your hearts to him,
For God is our refuge.
Psalm 57 and 1 says,
Have mercy on me,
My God,
Have mercy on me,
For in you I take refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.
With God as our refuge,
We can always find safety in him.
He protects us,
Shelters us,
And keeps us secure.
Know that when we run to the Lord for help,
He always grants us access into his sanctuary of love and rest.
When you are ready,
Let's take one final deep breath together.
So breathing in deeply through your nose,
Releasing out of your mouth.
Slowly opening the eyes and I hope that you're able to carry the sense of peace and security with you throughout the rest of your day,
Knowing that God is your refuge,
A fortress of strength and protection in the midst of life's storms.
