Take a Deep Breath

Ever take your breath for granted? I do — until I’m lying awake at night and sleep doesn’t come. That’s when I remember to inhale deeply.

Slow, full breaths really do help me drift off. And apparently, there’s science behind it. Deep breathing calms the nervous system, lowers stress hormones, delivers oxygen to our cells, boosts focus, and even helps digestion. You’re welcome!

So today, I’m declaring: “Thank You for my breath — and Your breath, Lord!” Breath may not be something we usually thank anyone for, but the breath of Jesus is different. It’s life-giving. Holy. Hope-filled.

Genesis 2:7 tells us, “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” God’s breath turned dust into life. And He’s still breathing life into us today.

From the moment we’re born, parents wait for that first cry — proof of breath, proof of life. Spiritually, the same is true. When we first trust Christ, it’s like our souls inhale for the very first time. But somewhere along the way, we hold our breath. Fear, busyness, disappointment, and the day’s headlines leave us tense and gasping.

Breathing God in is how we survive and thrive. Prayer is spiritual breathing: we inhale His peace and exhale our worry. We inhale His joy and exhale discouragement. Jesus modeled this beautifully:

“After He had dismissed the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray” (Matthew 14:23). If Jesus needed to step away and breathe with His Father, how much more do we?

Scripture is another way God fills our lungs with life. “All Scripture is God-breathed.” (2 Timothy 3:16) When we sit with His Word, we inhale wisdom, hope, and comfort.

Maybe we’ve been holding our breath too long. It’s time to inhale again — God’s mercy, His joy, His Spirit. And as we do, we can finally exhale fear, guilt, shame, and weariness.

Breathe in. Breathe out. God is here. His breath still gives life.

Been holding your breath through life’s chaos? Pause. Pray. Inhale His peace. Exhale your worry. God’s got you — He’s got us!

#BreatheOnMe #FaithJourney #FreshLife