Just Breathe.

Walking into church, a bit tattered from the week that led to this day, I take my seat (7 rows back, first seat in) Placing my bible next to me, the first thing that captures me is the quiet melody playing on the platform. Familiar, and oh so soul soothing. “As the deer panteth…” It was then, I felt the Lord impress on me, “Just breathe!” As the worship leader began to lead us, I closed my eyes and did just that, took a deep breath. Overwhelmed with His presence, I was reminded of … the breath of God.

How often do we find ourselves in ‘survival mode?” Barely making it, you feel your existence will soon evaporate like that of the morning dew. As the day goes on you find yourself fading. Thinking if I can just make it through this day… through this season… to the next paycheck… see THAT person.. BE that person … get this done, that done … clean this … lose this, gain that. OH, and pick up MILK! BREATHE! Just breathe.

Now don’t laugh, in pondering this, I have been looking at the ramifications of the lack of oxygen that takes place physically, how it affects us and how long it takes for a body to die. So very interesting. In all the medical hymhaw, I found this quote: “A lack of oxygen to the heart muscle can cause heart attacks, and even if the individual survives the anoxic event (complete depletion of oxygen), there may be damage to the heart that proves deadly.” This doesn’t even speak of the damage to the brain. There are ‘quiet’ symptoms that are attributed to a lack of oxygen as well:Depression, irritability and irrational behavior. Sound like your week? Or your drive down Hwy 217 on a Friday afternoon? Oh, I forgot, and memory loss and I thought it was just me turning 50. Just breathe!

Like that of our physical body, so it is with our spiritual man. We NEED to breathe. Without a constant intake of God, the ramifications can too prove deadly.

Genesis 2:7 “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul.” Our bodies were made of the dust – earth – biological. The soul was not made of the earth. So… earthly things can not quench the hunger of the soul, nor can the soul continue to survive. It is ONLY the breath of God that feeds and nurtures the spiritual man! It is divinely birthed and divinely maintained. Does this make sense?

This is BIG. How often do we seek things, people, position even ‘events’ to satisfy our deep longing, cravings. Without God’s breath and presence in our lives, we are an empty vessel. God initiated this for mankind, now we by invitation in turn seek that breath. Just breathe!

Paul spoke to this in 2 Timothy, “Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.” (3:15-17 – The Message) And the one who penned Hebrews wrote, “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God.” (4:12)

If we are to survive, let alone THRIVE spiritually we NEED God’s presence and His word to do so. Whether we want to admit it or not, we are rebellious, (or is it just me) if we are asked to do something beyond our own desires, well… heh, “I aint doin it”. Let’s not EVEN pause at our mistakes (nuff said) Let’s really lay it on the table (get ready to duck) since our very breath was first given to us (mankind) by God, how do we use that breath? Do we praise Him, or curse or destroy others with the words we form with that breath. (sigh)

A geek point: The word Paul used for ‘God-breathed'(theopneustos) is often seen as ‘inspiration’ is only mentioned here, and no where else in all of scripture.

Are we too, low in emotion, irritable and even find our self being irrational or treating others with ‘un-honorable’ breath? When was the last time we quietly spent time with our God? Prayed, invited His presence, opened His word? May I offer, put the journal down, lay the pen aside … just breathe. You might even find yourself face down on the floor in complete wonderment of Him!

Remember the song we sang in church a few years ago:

This is the air I breathe
this is the air I breathe
Your holy presence living in me

this is my daily bread
this is my daily bread
Your very word spoken to me

And I, I’m desperate for You
And I, I’m lost without You

Just breathe.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)