Wake Up Loved: Morning Bible Quiet Time Meditation

Scripture of the Day: Psalm 42 Series Theme: Abiding: Planted and Thriving in Busy Seasons   Have you ever felt like you’re clinging to hope by a thread? Like the weight of despair is pulling you under, even when you know God is near? Can you relate to those moments when your soul feels dry, even in the midst of abundance? When you’re longing for connection, peace, and purpose? We’ve all had times when we felt the tension between despair and hope, wondering if God is still with us. You’re not alone in this. If you’ve ever experienced spiritual dryness, struggled to find purpose in hard seasons, or longed for a deeper connection with God, this episode is for you. Together we'll learn about how it's not just about surviving those tough seasons but also about discovering how God will use them to build something greater in your life. Plus, I’m sharing a personal dream that revealed God’s peace and trustworthiness in a way I’ll never forget.   TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Welcome + Opening Prayer 2:29 - Passage Overview + Relevance 3:48 - Today’s Bible Reading - Psalm 42 6:01 - Reflections Begin: The tension between despair and hope 8:09 - When “deep calls to deep” - finding God in the depths of our struggles 9:35 - The power of prayer to quench spiritual dryness 10:37 - How purposeful activity anchors us in seasons of despair 12:25 - From ocean to shore: a dream of trust and rest in God’s loving presence 14:24 - How God uses our despair to build something greater 15:02 - Daily Journaling & Task Planning (plus naming emotions & finding hope) 19:13 - Closing Prayer & Special Encouragement for the Day   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   Sometimes we feel tension between despair and hope. During these times, abiding with God can plant hope in our hearts to carry us through as God commands his loving-kindness to support us in these seasons. God meets us in the depths of our struggles, calling us to trust Him even when life feels overwhelming. Purposeful activity can be a lifeline in hard seasons and how David’s memory of worshiping with others anchored him. We can also seek our own special memory to recall during tough times. Trusting God brings peace. I share a personal dream of being held in an ocean of love, a moment that reminded me of His complete trustworthiness. God may have used what David learned and experienced as part of his story, particularly how later he was inspired to write the plans for the temple.   RESOURCES + LINKS Get the Journal – Read scripture + plan your day in one sacred space — just $9.99Free 365-Day 365-Day Bible Reading Plan – Stay rooted all year with our downloadable plan Leave a Review + Send a Screenshot to Receive the Matching Planner Free   If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to subscribe and share it with a friend who needs to hear this. 

Scripture of the Day: 1 Kings 19:3–12 Series Theme: Abiding: Planted and Thriving in Busy Seasons Welcome to Day 11 of the Abiding series on the Wake Up Loved podcast. Today’s quiet time is for anyone feeling the weight of exhaustion, burnout, or the pressure to keep going when you feel like giving up. We’re diving into 1 Kings 19, exploring the story of Elijah, a prophet who faced despair, burnout, and the need for restoration. This episode is a reminder that God meets us in our exhaustion, providing exactly what we need: rest, nourishment, and clarity. Through Elijah’s story, we’ll uncover how to embrace God’s gentle whisper amidst the noise of life and learn how to take the next faithful step, even when we feel depleted. If you’ve ever wondered how to find peace in the chaos or strength in the stillness, this episode is for you.   TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Opening + Grounding (Deep Breathing) 1:07 - Opening Prayer 1:32 - Why This Passage Matters 2:37 - Today's Bible Reading - 1 Kings 19:3-12 4:55 - God’s Prescription for Exhaustion: Rest + Nourishment 6:10 - My Burnout Story: When Enough Was Enough 8:00 - Comfort + Courage When Fear of Failure Strikes 12:46 - Your Daily Journaling: Hearing God’s Whisper Today 14:48 - Your Daily Planning: Top 3 Priorities + Focus Your Day 16:29 - Closing Prayer: Embracing God’s Enough + Strength for Today   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: God meets us in our exhaustion: Just as He cared for Elijah, God provides rest, nourishment, and encouragement when we feel burned out. You are not alone: Even in moments of despair, God reminds us that He is with us and has a purpose for us. Take the first step: Trust that as you move forward in faith, God will provide the energy and motivation you need.   RESOURCES + LINKS Get the Journal – Read scripture + plan your day in one sacred space — just $9.99 Free 365-Day Bible Plan – Stay rooted all year with our downloadable plan Leave a Review + Send a Screenshot to Receive the Matching Planner FREE (value $55)

Scripture of the Day: Psalm 27:1–8 Series Theme: Abiding: Planted and Thriving in Busy Seasons Have you ever faced conflict so loud it drowned out your peace? Maybe it wasn’t war like David faced but the noise of criticism, comparison, or daily pressure that made you question your strength, your security, or even your identity. Can you relate? In today’s episode of Wake Up Loved, we enter David’s battle prayer in Psalm 27 in a moment of danger, doubt, and determination. Through his words, we uncover a truth for our own lives: that abiding with God lifts us above the noise. If you’ve ever struggled to find peace in the middle of tension, whether it stem from others, your own thoughts, or life’s daily demands, this quiet time episode will refocus your heart on the One who sees you, seeks you, and secures you.   TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – Welcome and overview 0:15 – Mindfulness Moment (deep breathing) 0:58 – Opening Prayer 1:23 – Bible Reading – Psalm 27:1–8 3:37 – Reflection begins – fear and everyday enemies 4:23 – How David rose above criticism 5:09 – This isn’t your battle to fight 6:00 – “Seek My Face”: what we’re all longing for 6:27 – The science of being seen and loved 8:44 – Letting God define your identity 10:25 – Perfect love casts out fear 12:56 – Journaling & Planning 16:04 – Closing Prayer and Blessing   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: How Psalm 27 helps calm fear in daily life A surprising connection between brain science + abiding What David’s confidence teaches about criticism Why being seen is a spiritual and emotional need A question that invites deep reflection with God How to stop giving others power over your worth The biology behind God’s comfort and presence     RESOURCES + LINKS: Get the Journal: Read the Bible and Plan Your Day All in One Place. Free Resource: Download My 365-Day Bible Reading Plan Today. Leave a Review + Send a Screenshot to Receive the Matching Planner FREE (value $55)

Scripture of the Day: Exodus 33:7–14Series Theme: Abiding: Planted and Thriving in Busy Seasons  Have you ever stepped into a new season—excited on the outside but secretly asking, “Can I really do this? What if I’m not ready? What if I mess it up?” Can you relate?  In today’s episode of Wake Up Loved, we dive into the story of Moses in Exodus 33.  It's a moment of uncertainty, doubt, and divine reassurance. You’ll hear Moses’ vulnerable plea for direction, God’s clear and comforting response, and an unexpected lesson from Joshua about hidden preparation in obscurity. If you’ve ever questioned your readiness, felt intimidated by a new season, or needed a reminder that God is truly with you, this episode will ground your heart, calm your nerves, and reignite your purpose.   TIMESTAMPS:   0:00 – Welcome and overview 0:50 – Mindfulness Moment (deep breathing) 1:37 – Opening Prayer 2:22 – Background and Relevance of Today’s Scripture: Fear of the Unknown 3:21 – Bible Reading – Exodus 33:7–14 4:53 – Reflection begins – Joshua’s quiet preparation and what it teaches us about leadership 6:36 – God’s simple but powerful promise for fearful leaders 10:27 – Real life story: new job, big responsibility, bigger God 11:57 – Journaling & Planning 12:14 – Personal story: Letting go of the need for a co-host 13:27 – How awareness of God makes you bolder and kinder 17:47 – Closing Prayer and Exhortation   RESOURCES + LINKS: Get the Journal: Read the Bible and Plan Your Day All in One Place. Free Resource: Download My 365-Day Bible Reading Plan Today. Leave a Review + Send a Screenshot to Receive the Matching Planner FREE (value $55)  

Scripture of the Day:Mark 1:33–37, Luke 5:15–16, Mark 6:30–32Series Theme: Abiding: Planted and Thriving in Busy Seasons  Have you ever felt like the world just won’t stop needing you? Like no matter how hard you try to carve out rest, someone or something always pulls you back? What if Jesus didn’t just permit rest, but modeled it? What if setting boundaries wasn’t selfish, but necessary? In this eighth episode of Wake Up Loved, we enter a new week in our 30-day abiding journey and begin by exploring one of the most overlooked but life-giving habits modeled by Jesus: rest. If you’ve ever felt pulled in too many directions, constantly needed by others, or unsure how to set boundaries without guilt... this episode is for you. We’re reading three short but powerful passages that show how even Jesus, amid great need and urgent crowds, stepped away to recharge in quiet places. You’ll walk away with a refreshing reminder: the pressure to always be available is not from God. Plus, you’ll hear an unexpected story about setting boundaries with difficult people, a lesson from Jesus on unmet expectations, and how time with Him, even when nothing else changes, can shift everything inside you. Can you relate to feeling guilty about rest? Have you ever wrestled with the idea that your worth is tied to your availability? You’re not alone. We’ve all been there. Let this episode speak gently into those weary places and remind you that choosing rest is an act of faith.   TIMESTAMPS  00:00 – Welcome + Deep breathing to settle in and create space for rest.  01:18 – Opening Prayer  01:56 – Background of Today’s Bible Readings  03:01 – Bible Readings: Three passages where Jesus rests and prays  04:38 – Reflections Begin: Jesus didn’t stay constantly available and neither should we.  05:40 – Simon Followed Jesus to the Desert…Should We?  08:52 – Personal Story: Setting Boundaries with Family  10:22 – Personal Story: How Mornings with Jesus Changed My Work  12:54 – Encouragement for Challenging Work Situations  14:12 – Daily Journal Prompt & Planning the Day  17:48 – Closing Prayer & Send-Off for Your Day   RESOURCES + LINKS Get the Journal: Grab the Matching Journal to Read the Bible and Plan Your Day in One Place. Free 365-Day Bible Plan: Stay Rooted all Year with My Printable Reading Plan. Leave a Review + Send a Screenshot to Receive the Matching Planner FREE (value $55)

Scripture of the Day: Luke 10:38–42; Luke 11:1–4Series Theme: Abiding: Planted and Thriving in Busy Seasons Ever feel like you're doing all the things and still missing the peace you're after? In this episode of Wake Up Loved, we explore two deeply connected moments in Scripture: the familiar story of Mary and Martha, and the Lord’s Prayer taught directly by Jesus. You’ll uncover what Jesus' gentle response to Martha reveals about anxious living, how the temptation to compare is alive in both sacred and mundane places, and why your daily chores might actually be a powerful invitation to worship. Maraya also draws a surprising link between the emotional weight of the Garden of Gethsemane and your own kitchen sink, helping you reframe even the smallest tasks in a new light. This episode is especially for you if you're feeling distracted, overburdened, or spiritually dry in the midst of a busy season.   TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – Welcome + Overview: Day 7 in our 30-day Abiding series 0:36 – Mindfulness Moment + Opening Prayer 2:03 – Today’s Bible Focus: Two sisters, one priority, and a model for prayer 3:11 – Bible Reading: Mary & Martha (Luke 10:38–42) 4:07 – Bible Reading: The Lord’s Prayer (Luke 11:1–4) 4:51 – Reflection Begins: Distractions, anxiety, and Jesus' deeper diagnosis 5:14 – Was Martha’s true burden fairness… or something deeper? 6:34 – From household stress to Gethsemane: When temptation meets tension 9:01 – Temptation in the mundane: Housework, comparison, and inner conflict 11:01 – “Blessing the home”: How shifting your mindset can revive joy 12:21 – Journaling Prompt: Choosing the “better portion” today 14:32 – Planning the Day: 3 clear priorities that bring calm and clarity 16:37 – Closing Prayer: Seeing daily rhythms as sacred 18:22 – Final Thoughts + Farewell   RESOURCES + LINKS: Get the Journal: Grab the Matching Journal to Read the Bible and Plan Your Day in One Place. Free Download: My 365-Day Bible Reading Plan helps you stay spiritually nourished daily. Leave a Review + Send a Screenshot to Receive the Matching Planner FREE (value $55)  

Scripture of the Day: Mark 10: 13–16, Matthew 18:1–4, Psalm 131 Series Theme: Abiding: Planted and Thriving in Busy Seasons Have you ever felt like you had to show up with all the answers? Like adulthood came with this silent pressure to be in control, to have it all figured out—even in your relationship with God? What if the invitation wasn’t to strive for spiritual perfection, but to return to the posture of a child - open, trusting, humble? In this sixth episode of Wake Up Loved, we explore what it means to approach God with childlike faith. You’ll hear how Jesus not only welcomed children, but called all of us to adopt their simplicity and deep trust. Through Scripture, reflection, and personal stories, we’ll uncover how reclaiming your inner child can transform your spiritual life and your day. Can you relate to feeling like you always have to hold it all together? Have you ever longed to simply be in God’s presence without pressure? I get it. We’ve all been there trying to measure up, while what God really desires is childlike nearness. Let this episode be your gentle reminder: You don’t need to have it all figured out to be deeply loved and valuable.   TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – Welcome and overview 0:27 – Mindfulness Moment (deep breathing) 1:02 – Opening Prayer 1:50 – Bible Reading 5:35 – Reflection begins – Jesus welcomes and defends us 7:46 – Humility as the gateway to greatness in God’s Kingdom 9:00 – Personal story: A missed opportunity to listen to a child's voice 11:32 – Reclaiming our inner child's ability to connect 12:51 – Journaling & Planning: Apply childlike humility to today’s top 3 tasks 15:10 – Closing Prayer   RESOURCES + LINKS: Get the Journal: Get the Matching Journal to Read the Bible and Plan Your Day All in One Place – Start Today for Just $9.99. Free Resource: Get in the Word Daily with Our Free 365-Day Bible Reading Plan.  Leave a Review + Send a Screenshot to Receive the Matching Planner FREE (value $55)  

  Scripture of the Day: Psalm 91Series Theme: Abiding: Planted and Thriving in Busy Seasons  Have you ever felt like you’re carrying the weight of everyone’s safety on your shoulders? You’re trying to trust God... but the “what ifs” keep piling up. You want peace, but anxiety still creeps in. What if the invitation isn’t to try harder—but to rest deeper? In today’s episode of Wake Up Loved, we dive into the beautiful words of Psalm 91—often called the “Prayer of Protection.” Whether you're a mom, a caregiver, a leader, or simply someone walking through uncertainty, this psalm holds timeless truth for your modern worries. Together, we’ll explore what it really means to “dwell in the secret place” and why true safety isn’t found in the absence of danger, but in the presence of God. You’ll hear a real-time personal story about fear (and a literal wasp!), encouragement for those grieving or anxious about the future, and a journaling prompt to help you move from fear into anchored peace. Can you relate to feeling vulnerable—like you're holding too much, trying to be strong for everyone? You’re not alone. We’ve all been there. Today’s episode invites you to exhale, listen in, and experience the safety that only abiding can offer.   TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – Welcome & Grounding (3 deep breaths) 1:39 – Opening Prayer 2:14 – Background & Relevance of Psalm 91 3:10 – Daily Bible Reading – Psalm 91 5:06 – Reflection Begins – The universal need for safety and refuge 6:11 – Dwelling in the secret place: Trusting God as refuge and protector 7:16 – “He will show us His salvation” – hope in eternal promises 10:06 – Personal moment: Help! There’s a wasp flying around! 11:09 – Message for those grieving or feeling uncertain about death 12:48 – Journaling & Planning – Where do you need to rest in God’s shelter today? 16:25 – Closing Prayer   RESOURCES + LINKS: Get the Journal: Read the Bible and Plan Your Day All in One Place – Grab the Matching Journal Today. Free Resource: Download My 365-Day Bible Reading Plan to Stay Rooted in Scripture Daily. Leave a Review + Send a Screenshot to Receive the Matching Planner FREE (value $55)  

  Scripture of the Day: Psalm 1 & Jeremiah 17:7–8Series Theme: Abiding: Planted and Thriving in Busy Seasons  You’re doing your best to keep things together but life keeps throwing curveballs. The podcast didn’t record. The kids are melting down. Your prayers feel unanswered. You wonder: Is this all worth it? Is this season wasted?  What if growth isn’t about instant fruit...but about hidden roots? In today’s episode of Wake Up Loved, we look at a beautiful Bible metaphor from Psalm 1 and Jeremiah 17 that reveals what it means to be spiritually planted. Even in drought. Even in disappointment. Even when everything looks dry. We’ll talk about what it means to grow in hidden places, how to respond when life doesn’t go your way, and why your worth isn’t defined by how "productive" you seem right now. You'll also hear a funny (and frustrating!) personal story of a podcast gone wrong, a word for anyone navigating criticism or hard seasons, and encouragement to believe: God is still working beneath the surface.  Have you ever wondered if God sees your struggle even when there's no visible fruit?Can you relate to feeling like you're giving it your all, but it’s still not enough? You’re not alone. This episode offers spiritual grounding for uncertain days and permission to flourish in your becoming, not just your doing.   TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – Welcome & Overview 0:59 – Mindfulness Moment (deep breathing) 1:33 – Opening Prayer 2:29 – Background and Relevance of Today’s Bible Passages 3:39 – Daily Bible Reading – Psalm 1 & Jeremiah 17:7–8 5:15 – Reflections Begin – Rooted even in prolonged seasons of drought 5:47 – Personal Story – Podcast glitch and grace in unexpected outcomes 6:57 – How to Deal with Unfair Criticism 8:30 – Personal Story – How to not be manipulated by others 10:06 – You Are Still Growing – Even when fruit is unseen 12:17 – Daily Journaling & Planning – Where do your roots feel strong or thirsty? 15:07 – Closing Prayer   RESOURCES + LINKS: Get the Journal: Get the Matching Journal to Read the Bible and Plan Your Day All in One Place - Start Today for Just $9.99. Get in the Word Daily with Our Free 365-Day Bible Reading Plan.  Leave a Review on The Podcast + Send a Screenshot & I'll Send You The Matching Planner Series Complete FREE (value $120).

Scripture of the Day: Colossians 2:1–10Series Theme: Abiding: Planted and Thriving in Busy Seasons Have you ever felt like your life is full… but somehow empty at the same time? You’re doing all the things, checking all the boxes—but deep down, there’s a longing for something more rooted, more secure, more real? Can you relate? Maybe you’ve been pulled in a dozen directions lately—family, work, faith—and you’re wondering what’s left for you at the end of the day. You want to walk closely with God, but sometimes even knowing how to “abide” feels like another task on the list. So many of us can relate. And that’s why today’s episode is such a refreshing reset. In today’s quiet time, we explore a powerful passage in Colossians that reminds us we’re not just meant to walk with Christ but called to walk in Him. From this place of deep rootedness comes a life marked by peace, resilience, and fullness and not the busy kind, but the spiritual kind. You’ll hear how honoring rhythms of rest (like Sabbath) can shift your mindset, why fullness in Christ is different from full schedules, and how to resist voices that pull you off course. Plus, there’s a personal story about deadlines, anxiety, and choosing trust over hustle.   TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Welcome and overview 1:38 – Mindfulness Moment (deep breathing) 2:45 – Opening Prayer 4:02 – Background and relevance of today's Bible passage 5:40 – Why I relate to Paul’s radical conversion 6:41 – Bible Reading – Colossians 2:1–10 8:11 – Reflection begins – Fullness in Christ 9:01 – Walk in Him, not just with Him 10:29 – Personal story: Anxiety, deadlines & regaining peace 11:39 – Sabbath rhythms and what God’s kind of fullness looks like 13:45 – Journaling & Planning: Staying rooted through daily practices 16:45 – Final reflections – Staying rooted despite persuasion 18:02 – Closing Prayer   RESOURCES + LINKS: Get the Journal: Get the Matching Journal to Read the Bible and Plan Your Day All in One Place - Start Today for Just $9.99. Get in the Word Daily with Our Free 365-Day Bible Reading Plan.  Leave a Review + Send a Screenshot to Receive the Matching Planner FREE (value $55)  

Scriptures of the Day: Psalm 23 & John 10:11-14Series Theme: Abiding: Planted and Thriving in Busy Seasons Have you ever felt like life is moving so fast that it’s hard to feel grounded?You’re juggling responsibilities, making decisions, and navigating challenges—but deep down, there’s a longing for peace and reassurance. In today’s episode of Wake Up Loved, we reflect on two powerful passages—Psalm 23 and John 10—that remind us of God’s tender care and leadership. Whether you’re just starting your day or already in the thick of it, this quiet time invites you to pause, breathe, and rest in the truth that you are guided, protected, and deeply known. This episode includes a breath prayer, Bible reading, gentle insights, and space to reflect on where you may be longing for rest or direction. If you’ve ever needed a reminder that you’re not walking alone, this is for you.   TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Welcome and Overview 1:39 – Mindfulness Moment (Deep Breathing) 2:23 – Opening Prayer: Rejoicing in God’s Presence 3:04 – Background and Relevance of Today’s Scriptures 4:06 – Bible Reading: Psalm 23 (NIV) 5:08 – Reflection Begins: God leads and follows and why that matters 6:38 – Why we need both strength and compassion for trust 7:02 – Bible Reading: John 10:11-14 8:29 – Personal Story: How god rewrote my past 12:21 – Journaling & Planning: Where do you long for rest or guidance? 15:23 – Closing Prayer & Today’s Encouragement   RESOURCES + LINKS: Get the Matching Journal to Read the Bible and Plan Your Day All in One Place. Get in the Word Daily with Our Free 365-Day Bible Reading Plan.  Leave a Review + Send a Screenshot to Receive the Matching Planner FREE (value $55)  

Scripture of the Day: John 15:1–11Series Theme: Abiding: Planted and Thriving in Busy Seasons Have you ever wanted to build a consistent quiet time routine—but found yourself stuck in start-stop cycles?What if spending time with God wasn’t one more thing on your to-do list... but the very thing that fueled you to thrive through it all?You’ve tried “morning routines” and reading plans, but it’s never quite stuck.Can you relate?  We get it. Life is full. And the idea of carving out time for Scripture and prayer—especially with distractions, demands, and doubts—can feel like wishful thinking. But what if your quiet time wasn’t perfect… just present?What if the secret to spiritual growth wasn’t more effort—but deeper connection? In this first-ever episode of Wake Up Loved, you’re invited into a fresh rhythm of spiritual abiding that meets you right where you are. No pressure. No performance. Just Jesus. If you’ve ever longed for a spiritual reset, or needed a permission slip to show up imperfectly, this episode is the best place to begin.   TIMESTAMPS:  0:00 – What to expect from Wake Up Loved over the next 30 days 3:15 – Center your heart with 3 deep breaths to begin your quiet time 4:02 – Opening prayer: Rejoicing in the day God has made 4:47 – Why John 15 is the perfect starting point for abiding 6:12 – Bible reading: John 15:1–11, the vine and branches 7:55 – What a twin bond taught me about closeness with God 10:27 – Why you're not your fruit (and why that's freeing) 11:36 – A 300-mango-tree and your unique calling in Christ 13:20 – Journaling prompt: How will you stay connected today? 17:29 – Final prayer and a word of encouragement for your day   RESOURCES + LINKS: Get the Journal: Read the Bible and Plan Your Day All in One Place – Grab the Matching Printable or Spiral-Bound Journal Today. Free Resource: Download Our 365-Day Bible Reading Plan – A Simple Way to Stay Rooted in God’s Word Year-Round. Leave a Review + Send a Screenshot to Receive the Matching Planner FREE (value $55)