I often find myself, throughout the day, holding my breath.
I know I am not alone. We wake up with running mental checklists: laundry to fold and meals to plan, work obligations and events to attend, caring for those around us and squeezing in some self care. Without realizing it, our breathing becomes shallow, our muscles tense as if we are solely responsible for ‘holding it all together’ in our own strength.
Yet from the very beginning, life was never meant to be sustained in our own strength. God formed mankind from dust and gently breathed the breath of life into our nostrils. Every breath we take is a gift from Him and should remind us that we are kept and held together by a good Creator.
When Jesus met his tired, anxious disciples after the resurrection, He didn’t hand them a new ‘to-do’ list for immediate execution. John 20:12-22 tells that He stood among them, said, ‘Peace be with you’ and He breathed on them, saying, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’.
Before they could do anything FOR Him, they were invited to receive FROM Him.
We cannot fully rest in the richness of God’s kindness while we clutch so tightly to our worries, our need for control or our self-reliance.
So, before you pick up that checklist for the day, let’s BREATHE….
Deeply.
Intentionally.
Prayerfully.
Breathe in His Goodness.
Breathe in His steadfast love – His fresh mercies for us every single morning. (Lamentations 3:22-23)
Breathe in His sovereign care. Have comfort in knowing that HE manages the universe – including our little corner of the world and we are free of carrying that load.
Breathe in His sufficient grace. Remember that it is not in our hurried competence, but in the quiet surrender that our strength is perfected.
Exhale a sweet declaration, “Lord, you are God, and I am not. You are good, and I am safe in your arms.”
Heavenly Father, Thank you for the gift of life and the gift of breath. Forgive me for the moments I live hurried and tense, acting as though everything depends on my effort rather than your provision. Teach me to pause, and let go of my desire to control every outcome. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me to find my rest in You throughout my days. In Jesus Name, Amen.