“Breathe”- Devotional #1

Today’s devotional is brought to you by a song called “Breathe” sang by Maverick City.

This song means so much to me. It justifies my stance on the importance of meditation, stillness, and breathing as a mindfulness tool. It’s so evident how much power God has placed in our breath and how much we need to take this wellness practice alot more seriously.

Have you ever suffered from a panic attack? I have! I was on the 2 train heading to work one morning, my head started pounding, my heart was racing, I was sweating profusely and I couldn’t catch a breath. I was twenty two years old and I didn’t know what to do. I remember an older black woman kindly telling me that I needed to get off the train to get some fresh air and firmly telling me to breathe. My eyes told her that I couldn’t breathe so she repeated it again and told me breathe. LOL! I got off the train and another woman sat with me and had to remind me to breathe slowly in and out and I was able to find my breath again. The scariest part was the irony. I can’t breathe but the best solution is to breathe???

So what does the bible have to say about this phenomenon?

God’s breath is life. Genesis 2:7 explains how God used dust to form man then he breathed into his nostrils “the breath of life” I mean do we need to go further? God’s breath lives in you, his power, his peace, his love, all of it! His breath is a gift that keeps on giving. His breath gives life, gives it more abundantly and we just have to tap into that.

The song writer says if your anxious, heavy laden, waiting on better days, it’s time to release your breathe and let God bring life to the season you’re in.

Moments after my first panic attack, I learned there was power in intentionally focusing on breathing in and out. When we learn to harness our breath, we are physcially reminded of God’s gracious power that lives in us and through us.

So for this week, when you’re feeling low and anxious and depressed and lifeless, don’t hold your breath. Breathe deeply and realease your pains, and may you breathe in his strength his love and his power that is readily available to you.

Prayer with me:

God I pray that when things become overwhelming for me, that I’m reminded of your grace and your power. Im reminded that you’d never leave me and all I have to do is let go and to breathe. I may not get the answer I want but I know that you’re here with me and I can live another day knowing your love will save me and keep. I trust you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

Reminder; “There’s power in the way that you breath”