Held:
Scripture and soul care for sleepless, anxious nights
A spiritual first aid kit for the weary, the restless,
and the overwhelmed.
Reaching #1 in Christian Prayer and Christian Devotionals
(New Releases)
About The Book
*HELD* is more than a devotional—
it’s a spiritual first aid kit for anxious nights, heavy hearts, and weary souls.
Each entry is crafted to meet you in specific moments of emotional and spiritual need—when sleep escapes you, when fear overwhelms you, or when God feels distant.
Inside, you’ll find:
– 30+ reflections for real-life struggles
– Scripture-based prayers and encouragement
– Breath prayers and grounding practices
– Gentle, non-shaming words of hope
This book was born out of sleepless nights and personal wrestling.
It doesn’t preach. It sits with you.
And it reminds you:
**You’re not alone. You’re not too much. And you’re still being held.**
WHY I WROTE HELD
There are moments when the night feels louder than the day—when your thoughts won’t slow down, your heart won’t settle, and prayer feels just out of reach.
I’ve spent decades in ministry, walking with vulnerable children and families. I know Scripture. I trust Jesus. But when my own body began sounding alarm after alarm, it was disorienting. Despite everything I believed and had taught, I was drowning in anxiety.
That’s when I discovered something deeper:
Faith and fear can coexist. And God is present in both.
HELD didn’t begin as a project. It began as a lifeline. One whispered prayer at a time in the dark. One breath prayer when I couldn’t sleep. One verse to keep me grounded.
Now, I offer it to you—
Not as a fix, but as a friend.
Not to replace the struggle, but to remind you:
Even when peace feels far, God is still near.
What’s inside
Breath Prayers & Grounding Practices
Simple, body-aware tools to help calm your nervous system and recenter your soul.
Scripture-Based Reflections
Verses paired with honest commentary, not clichés—anchored in grace, not shame.
Targeted Entries for Nighttime Anxiety
When you can’t sleep, when you’re panicked, when peace feels far—there’s a page for that.
Gentle Prompts for Emotional Honesty
Space to name what you feel, not hide it—so you can reconnect with God and yourself.
When I’m Struggling to Breathe Scripture:
“The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.”
—Job 33:4 (NIV)
Reflection: When anxiety rises, breathing becomes a battlefield.
What was once automatic now feels strained—like you can’t quite catch your breath. And with every shallow inhale, fear creeps in further: “What if something’s wrong?”
I remember those nights—sitting up in bed, heart pounding, lungs tight. I wasn’t gasping, but it felt like I couldn’t get enough air. It made me feel fragile… and honestly, afraid.
But then I read Job 33:4: “The breath of the Almighty gives me life.” That verse shifted something in me. It reminded me that my breath isn’t just biological—it’s spiritual.
Each inhale is a gift. Each exhale, a release. I wasn’t fighting alone—God was breathing with me.
Tonight, if your breath feels short or panicked, don’t try to force it. Just slow it.
Don’t chase perfection—just invite His presence.
Let His breath steady yours.
Prayer: Holy Spirit,
I’m struggling to breathe tonight.
Anxiety is tightening my chest and shortening my breath.
But You are the Breath of Life.
Fill me. Steady me. Slow me.
Let each inhale remind me I’m still here… still held…
still Yours.
I receive Your breath.
I exhale my fear.
Amen.
Guided Practice: Box Breathing (4x4x4x4) ● Inhale for 4 seconds ● Hold for 4 seconds ● Exhale for 4 seconds ● Hold for 4 seconds Repeat this rhythm 4–5 times. Let your body settle into grace.
AI Prompt: “I’m struggling with my breathing due to anxiety. Can you help me write a short prayer that reminds me to slow down and trust God with each breath?”
⚠️ Health Reminder: If you experience persistent shortness of breath, chest pain, or other concerning symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention. This resource is not a substitute for professional care. God often works through both prayer and medical wisdom.
Entries
Pages
HELD is more than pages and entries—it’s a spiritual first aid kit. Each reflection is a moment of presence, each page a lifeline for the nights when peace feels far away. Whether you need Scripture to anchor you, a breath prayer to calm you, or space to simply be honest—what’s inside was created to hold you in the dark.
About the author.
Roy Baldwin has spent over 20 years walking with vulnerable kids, overwhelmed families, and burned-out leaders. A husband, dad, speaker, and writer, he’s led ministries, directed camps, and carried the weight of leadership in seasons of deep anxiety. HELD wasn’t born in victory—it was born in the night. Roy now helps others discover the nearness of God when peace feels far away.
This isn’t a book of solutions. It’s a companion for the dark—written by someone who’s been there.
Roy Baldwin